In a significant move to accelerate public internet accessibility, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has capped the broadband connectivity charges for public Wi-Fi providers. These charges cannot exceed twice the prevailing rates of home broadband services. The decision is aimed at promoting the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) initiative, which envisions widespread and affordable internet access across India.
Despite resistance from telecom service providers who opposed this regulation, TRAI maintained that controlling these costs is essential for driving the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks, especially in underserved areas. The regulatory body emphasized that this ceiling will encourage more Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to join the PM-WANI ecosystem by making operations financially viable and promoting competition.
The PM-WANI scheme, launched to bridge India’s digital divide, enables local entrepreneurs to offer Wi-Fi services without a license. TRAI’s new directive is expected to lower service costs for end users and boost digital inclusion efforts nationwide.
