TRAI seeks to curb the issue of network drop inside buildings

Step inside a building and the network drops. Isn't that a regular scene we encounter almost daily? Well, the officials at The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) seem to agree that it is an irritant. To tackle that TRAI on Monday floated a consultation paper seeking stakeholders’ comments on improving the quality of services for mobile telephone calls and internet use within buildings.

In the consultation paper, the regulator seeks to understand if a regulatory framework is important to ensure seamless network service within buildings, or should it be left on the market leaders to find a way to address the issue. The regulator also sought suggestions on improving in-building coverage in places such as residential or commercial complexes, airports, hotels and multiplexes, and whether telecom operators should be allowed to share infrastructure in such places where networks are strained that lead to frequent call drops, and slow internet speeds.

The regulator has also sought insight on the best practices adopted by other countries, which can be incorporated in the National Buildings Code, the central legislation that mandates buildings in the country.

The consultation paper comes after TRAI's move to mandate compensation for call drops by the operators to consumers was struck down by the Supreme Court last month. Acting upon increased complaints about call drops and sluggish internet speeds, despite a high-speed connection, TRAI has been trying to address the issue through regulatory interventions.