TRAI Seeks Industry Views on Scaling Public Wi-Fi Access Across India

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper seeking views on the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks, as per ANI reports.  

Stakeholders have been asked to submit comments by May 25, 2026, followed by counter-comments by June 8, 2026. All submissions will be made public on the regulator’s website to allow broader review. 

Context: Rising Demand for Broadband Access 

The paper places broadband within the category of essential infrastructure supporting sectors such as education, healthcare, governance, and financial services.  

While mobile data usage has increased in recent years, TRAI has noted the need for additional access points to manage rising demand and improve availability. 

Use Case for Public Wi-Fi Networks 

Public Wi-Fi networks are identified as suitable for high-density locations, including railway stations, airports, markets, and educational institutions.  

These networks can help reduce pressure on mobile infrastructure by offloading data traffic, which may improve overall service quality. 

Key Constraints in Deployment 

The consultation notes that earlier measures, including the PM-WANI framework introduced in 2020, have not resulted in the expected scale of deployment.  

Issues cited include limited revenue opportunities for Public Data Offices, low utilisation of existing hotspots, concerns around user data security, and limited participation from local authorities. 

Cost Considerations and Global Reference Points 

TRAI has indicated that Wi-Fi data is available at a lower per-GB cost compared to mobile broadband, based on preliminary analysis. This cost difference may support access, particularly among price-sensitive users.  

The paper also refers to developments in countries such as South Korea, the European Union and the United States, where public Wi-Fi networks have expanded through policy coordination and infrastructure. 

Relevance to Digital Services 

Public Wi-Fi is also linked to access to digital platforms such as UPI, Aadhaar, and DigiLocker.  

The paper notes its role in enabling access to online public services and supporting technologies including artificial intelligence and IoT. 

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Conclusion 

The consultation aims to review existing frameworks and identify measures to improve deployment and usage. TRAI has indicated that inputs from stakeholders will inform the development of a scalable model for public Wi-Fi expansion. 

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