Regulatory Body Issues Draft Guidelines for Affordable Public Wi-Fi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released draft recommendations proposing that telecom service providers should not charge Wi-Fi hotspot operators more than twice the tariff rates applicable to individual home broadband consumers. This measure is aimed at ensuring cost-effective data access across the country, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Move Aligned with Digital India Vision
In its draft report titled "Promoting Local Manufacturing and Deployment of Wi-Fi Hotspots," TRAI emphasized the importance of affordable public Wi-Fi infrastructure to bridge the digital divide. Citing the growing demand for data services and increasing relevance of public Wi-Fi in schools, public transport, health centres, and rural communities, the authority stated that affordable backend connectivity is crucial.

Ensuring Tariff Fairness and Expansion of Wi-Fi Networks
TRAI highlighted that the absence of a pricing framework often results in disproportionately high tariffs for hotspot aggregators. By capping the charges to a maximum of double that of individual home broadband rates, TRAI aims to make hotspot services viable for small operators and startups. This regulation is expected to incentivize private players to expand Wi-Fi coverage in public spaces.

Consultation Invited from Stakeholders
TRAI has invited comments and counter-comments from stakeholders and the public by July 8 and July 22, respectively. The regulator is also reviewing other incentives, such as license fee exemptions and support for indigenous hardware manufacturing, to further promote a nationwide Wi-Fi ecosystem.

A Boost to Local Entrepreneurship and Internet Penetration
Analysts see this as a welcome move for digital entrepreneurs who often struggle with high backend connectivity costs. Lower input costs could lead to cheaper data services for end users, supporting India's goal to provide affordable internet access to every citizen.