TRAI proposes new set of professionals to set up telecom infrastructure in buildings.

In a move that could create thousands of jobs, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed that a new category of professionals need to be created in order to ensure that a good digital network is provided within buildings in a timely manner.

In order to take on the increasingly complex digital connectivity ecosystem and provide end-users residing in buildings with seamless integration to the telecom service providers’ (TSP) network, TRAI proposes that dedicated DCI (digital connectivity infrastructure)-property managers, designers, engineers, and evaluators need to be cultivated. These professionals can curate a connectivity solution for a particular type of building, and thus ensure that more end users can be onboarded.

TRAI envisions DCI designers to be certified professionals who have the competence and possess desired qualifications to design networks for in-building solutions. Similarly, DCI engineers will hold the competence and possess desired qualifications to implement the solutions designed for in-buildings.

To evaluate the quality of the network within the buildings, TRAI also proposes a new category of evaluators — property managers of buildings where the connectivity infrastructure will be laid out should be given ownership over the DCI infrastructure to ensure its smooth running.

The TRAI paper also noted that as per the National Building Code, the professionals referred to for telecom or ICT planning within buildings “are not experts in telecom or ICT and more specifically, they may not be qualified to handle radio networks covering 2G, 3G, 4G and upcoming 5G mobile network systems”.

TRAI also highlighted that the course content of programmes offering traineeship in DCI planning also needs to be re-evaluated. Organisations such as BICSI, iNARTE, and CTNS provide certification programmes in the design and setting up of building infrastructure for telecom and ICT purposes. “However, there may be a need to examine the content of such courses and their suitability in an India-specific environment. These courses might be accredited in present form or may be required to be customised,” said TRAI.

HBL