On January 9, 2026, The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of Department of Telecommunication (DoC), under the Ministry of Communications, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).
- TRAI, under Ministry of Communications, approved RANext Technologies as Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA).
Exam Hints:
- What? MoU signed
- Entities: TEC & IIT Kanpur
- Purpose: To conduct research and test next-generation technologies
- Approval: TRAI approved RANext Technologies as DCRA
TEC MoU with IIT Kanpur
Technology Standardization: The MoU is aimed at driving research, testing, and standardization in next-generation telecom technologies, including:
Leadership: It also aims to enhance India’s active participation and leadership in global standard-setting and radiocommunication bodies such as ITU-T(Telecommunication standardization), ITU-R (Radiocommunication), 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), and other relevant international forums.
6G architecture & Technologies: It includes contributions to pre-standardization and standardization in global forums
AI & ML in Telecom: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Telecom for network automation, optimization and intelligent management.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): It includes satellite, High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and integration with terrestrial networks.
IoT: Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins and Metaverse communications standards.
Quantum Communications: The focus areas also include Quantum Communications research and advanced radio technologies such as massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and next-generation antenna systems.
- It also includes joint studies on 4th Generation (4G)/5th Generation (5G)/ Long Term Evolution (LTE-A)/ Narrowband (NB) IoT.
TRAI Approved RANext as a DCRA:
Authorization: With this move, RANext Technologies is authorized to assess and rate the quality of digital connectivity infrastructure in buildings and properties across India.
Evaluation: RANext will assess properties on key connectivity aspects, including Fibre infrastructure standards, in-building mobile connectivity, broadband and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) performance inside premises, and readiness for future smart technologies such as IoT.
About DCRA Rating:
Overview: It is an official score or grade given to a building or property, introduced and regulated by TRAI.
Digital Connectivity: A DCRA Rating evaluates indoor digital connectivity, ensuring internet availability and the design for reliable digital services.
Rating Scope: The rating covers In-building mobile network coverage, broadband & fiber readiness, Wi-Fi infrastructure quality, passive infrastructure, support for multiple service providers, and future readiness.
About Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC):
Senior Deputy General (Sr. DDG) – Syed Tausif Abbas
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment – 1991
