Tamil Nadu Government Mandates Telecom Infrastructure in Large Buildings
The Tamil Nadu government has introduced significant amendments to building regulations, requiring dedicated telecom infrastructure in large residential and commercial structures. This move aims to enhance digital connectivity across the state by ensuring stronger mobile signals, reduced call drops, and faster internet speeds for occupants.
Key Provisions of the Amended Building Rules
Under the revised Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019, buildings with a floor area exceeding 750 square meters must now incorporate dedicated telecom rooms as part of the In-Building Solutions (IBS) framework. IBS refers to telecom infrastructure and equipment installed within buildings to facilitate high-speed data transmission, improve signal coverage, minimize call drops, and optimize spectrum usage.
The government order specifies that IBS facilities must be protected from environmental hazards such as flooding, water exposure, moisture, fumes, gases, and dust. Additionally, these rooms must have adequate floor loading capacity to support telecom equipment and should be situated away from vibration sources to prevent dislocation or dislodgement.
Requirements for Larger Projects and Plotted Developments
For projects covering more than 2,000 square meters, a detailed service plan with required specifications must be certified by a qualified telecom-networking consultant. The infrastructure must be accessible to all authorized telecom service providers, promoting competition and consumer choice.
In plotted developments, plans must designate telecom as a utility infrastructure line. The order mandates the installation of empty pipes, such as large-size Hume pipes or HDPE pipes with a minimum diameter of 0.15 meters, along the outer edges of layout roads to accommodate telecommunication cables.
Benefits for Home Buyers and Future-Readiness
Ramprabhu, chairman of the DTCP committee at the Builders Association of India, highlighted the advantages of this amendment. "The amendment is expected to directly benefit home buyers by ensuring stronger indoor mobile signals, fewer call drops, and faster internet speeds, particularly in high-rise apartments and large residential complexes," he stated.
By requiring access for all service providers, residents will enjoy greater network options. This initiative also prepares buildings for expanding 5G services, enhances property values, and reduces the need for disruptive road-cutting and messy cabling in layouts.
The implementation of these rules is poised to transform connectivity standards in Tamil Nadu, making digital access more reliable and efficient for urban and suburban communities.
