New Delhi, June 13 -- A pitched battle has ensued between telecom operators and real estate developers over who should pay to get digital infrastructure in buildings rated and handle its maintenance, in the backdrop of a new digital connectivity rating system being prepared by India's telecom regulator.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is working on a framework wherein a standard method to evaluate digital connectivity inside properties-aimed at ensuring strong indoor mobile and internet signals-will be notified. Last month, the regulator released for consultation a draft manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity under Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024.

Telcos, represented by the Cellula...