The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released a consultation paper on the “Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India,” aimed at boosting the growth of public internet infrastructure across the country.
The paper reviews the existing regulatory framework and identifies key challenges affecting the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks. It also seeks suggestions from stakeholders on measures to accelerate deployment and improve accessibility.
According to TRAI, the consultation paper examines global best practices by analysing public Wi-Fi ecosystems in other countries and drawing key lessons for India.
It also assesses the current status of public Wi-Fi in India, including deployment trends and demand patterns, while identifying bottlenecks that have slowed its growth.
The paper outlines the roles of various stakeholders, including Central and State governments, local bodies, telecom service providers, internet service providers, and private entities, in developing sustainable public Wi-Fi models across rural and urban areas, as well as high-footfall locations.
Key operational aspects such as authorisation, authentication, roaming, and billing systems within the public Wi-Fi ecosystem have also been examined.
In addition, TRAI has analysed potential revenue models—both direct and indirect—to ensure the long-term viability of public Wi-Fi services in India.
The consultation paper has been made available on TRAI’s official website. Stakeholders have been invited to submit written comments by May 25, 2026, and counter-comments by June 8, 2026.
