New Delhi, 27 April (H.S.): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper on the expansion of public Wi‑Fi networks across the country and invited written suggestions from stakeholders by May 25, 2026. The regulator has also asked for replies to those comments by June 8, 2026, as part of its effort to accelerate the rollout of Wi‑Fi infrastructure.

TRAI’s paper reviews the existing regulatory framework for public Wi‑Fi, identifies the challenges hindering the growth of such networks, and seeks input on measures that can speed up deployment across India. It also examines issues related to authorisation, certification, roaming and billing systems, and evaluates revenue‑sharing models to ensure that public Wi‑Fi can be both large‑scale and financially sustainable.

In addition, the paper includes a comparative look at public Wi‑Fi systems in other countries, an assessment of the current status in India, trends in deployment, and analysis of demand patterns in urban centres, high‑traffic locations and rural areas. TRAI is also inviting views on the roles that central and state governments, local bodies, telecom service providers, and private entities can play in developing a viable public Wi‑Fi model nationwide.

By opening this consultation, TRAI aims to create a clear, future‑ready policy roadmap that will help bridge the digital divide and provide affordable, reliable internet access to more Indians through public Wi‑Fi networks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar