The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has invited stakeholder feedback to revive and scale up public Wi-Fi deployment, signaling a renewed policy push to strengthen affordable internet access.
Current State of Public Wi-Fi in India
In a consultation paper released on Monday, Trai stated that India's current public Wi-Fi ecosystem remains fragmented and limited in scale, falling short of becoming a widely accessible connectivity layer despite government initiatives. The move aims to reassess regulatory, operational, and business challenges that have constrained growth.
Roles of Stakeholders
The paper outlines the roles of multiple stakeholders in developing viable public Wi-Fi models. Trai is seeking input from telecom operators, internet service providers, equipment manufacturers, and other relevant entities to identify barriers and propose solutions.
Key Objectives
- Enhance the reach of affordable internet services across the country.
- Address regulatory hurdles that hinder Wi-Fi deployment.
- Encourage public-private partnerships to build sustainable Wi-Fi networks.
Trai's initiative is expected to boost digital inclusion, especially in rural and underserved areas, by providing low-cost internet access through public Wi-Fi hotspots.
