TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on “Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India"

· Consultation Paper Released: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper on the proliferation of public Wi-Fi networks to support broader digital connectivity.

· Review of Existing Framework: The paper reviews the current regulatory framework governing public Wi-Fi and seeks inputs on reforms needed to accelerate deployment.

· Global Best Practices Examined: It draws on international experiences and best practices to inform policy options for India’s public Wi-Fi ecosystem.

· Assessment of Current Ecosystem: The paper analyses the present status of public Wi-Fi in India, including deployment trends, demand patterns and market development.

· Challenges Identified: Key issues affecting expansion, including operational, regulatory and commercial barriers, have been highlighted for stakeholder feedback.

· Focus on Stakeholder Roles: The consultation examines the role of Central and State governments, local bodies, telecom service providers, ISPs and private players in developing viable models.

· Urban and Rural Coverage Emphasis: It explores scalable public Wi-Fi models for rural areas, urban centres and high-footfall locations.

· Operational Issues Under Review: Issues related to authorisation, authentication, roaming and billing systems are key focus areas in the consultation.

· Sustainability Through Revenue Models: TRAI seeks views on potential direct and indirect revenue models to ensure long-term viability of public Wi-Fi services.

· Stakeholder Comments Invited:

o Comments due by 25 May 2026

o Counter-comments due by 8 June 2026

· Objective: To support the growth of a robust, sustainable and inclusive public Wi-Fi ecosystem across India through stakeholder-driven policy inputs.

[ABS News Service/28.04.2026]

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper on the "Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India" on 27 April, 2026.

This Consultation Paper reviews the existing regulatory framework, identifies challenges affecting the proliferation of public Wi-Fi networks, and invites comments from stakeholders on measures to accelerate the growth of public Wi-Fi infrastructure across the country. The Consultation Paper covers the following key areas:

· Overview of the Public Wi-Fi ecosystem in other countries and key takeaways from international experiences and global best practices.

· Assessment of the current status of Public Wi-Fi in India, including deployment trends and demand patterns.

· Identification of key issues and challenges affecting Public Wi-Fi proliferation in the country.

· Examining the roles of key stakeholders such as Central and State Governments, local bodies, TSPs/ISPs, and private entities for developing viable Public Wi-Fi models across rural areas, urban centres, and high-footfall locations.

· Examination of issues relating to authorisation, authentication, roaming, and billing systems within the Indian Public Wi-Fi ecosystem.

· Analysis of potential direct and indirect revenue models suitable for ensuring the sustainability of Public Wi-Fi in the Indian context.

The Consultation Paper has been placed on TRAI’s Website www.trai.gov.in. Written comments on the consultation paper are invited from stakeholders by 25^th May 2026 and counter-comments, if any, by 8^th June 2026.

The comments may be sent in electronic form at advbbpa@trai.gov.in with a copy to jtadvbbpa-1@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/information, Dr. Abdul Kayum, Advisor (Broadband and Policy Analysis), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number Tel. No. +91-11 20907757.