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

Information Note to the Press (Press Release No. 54/2026) For Immediate Release Telecom Regulatory Authority of India TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on “Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India" New Delhi, 27th April 2026 - The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultation Paper on the "Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India". 2. 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. 3. 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 25th May 2026 and counter-comments, if any, by 8th June 2026.4. 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. (Atul Kumar Chaudhary) Secretary, TRAI