Indoor Connectivity Emerges as Critical Challenge for Telecom Sector: Trai Chairman's Warning

Trai Chairman Warns of Indoor Connectivity Challenges Amid Mobile Data Boom

Consumers are facing increasing indoor connectivity issues as the quantity and speed of mobile data consumption continue to grow, highlighting the urgent need for developers and building owners to include connectivity infrastructure in construction plans.

Speaking at the COAI Digicom Summit 2026, Trai Chairman AK Lahoti emphasized that mobile networks may not be able to meet the demands of the data explosion, particularly with the advent of AI. To address this challenge, the regulatory framework and policies are supporting the expansion of fixed broadband networks to handle consumers' requirements.

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The indoor connectivity experience is emerging as another challenge. While the quantity and speed of mobile data consumption are growing, indoor connectivity is not able to meet expectations, and consumers often complain of poor signals indoors. The challenge becomes more prominent with the use of mid-band frequencies in 5G services.

Trai has made recommendations to the government to address this issue, which have been accepted. These recommendations need to be incorporated in building designs and construction practices. To facilitate consumers, Trai has come out with a regulatory framework for rating properties for quality of indoor digital connectivity infrastructure.

Trai has notified regulations in October 2024 for giving ratings to buildings, mainly residential and commercial premises, based on the quality of digital connectivity they house. The ratings are to be provided by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agency, empanelled with Trai.

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Trai has also recommended that the government improve spectrum availability for telecom operators. This includes making available 37 to 40 GHz bands and the 600 MHz band, both capacity and coverage, besides other existing IMT (mobile services) bands. Signals transmitted in the 600 MHz band spectrum are expected to improve mobile signals inside homes.