**Executive Summary**
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on April 27, 2026, to review the regulatory framework and identify challenges regarding the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks. The paper seeks stakeholder feedback on measures to accelerate infrastructure growth across rural and urban areas. Written comments must be submitted by May 25, 2026, and counter-comments by June 8, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Regulatory and Ecosystem Assessment**
* Review of the existing regulatory framework and identification of challenges hindering the growth of public Wi-Fi.
* Comparison of the Indian public Wi-Fi ecosystem against international best practices and global deployment trends.
* Evaluation of current demand patterns and deployment trends within the country.
**Technical and Operational Framework**
* Examination of critical operational systems, including authorization, authentication, roaming, and billing.
* Analysis of potential direct and indirect revenue models to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of public Wi-Fi.
**Strategic Development and Implementation**
* Identification of roles for various entities to develop viable Wi-Fi models in rural areas, urban centers, and high-footfall locations.
* Focus on accelerating infrastructure proliferation through collaborative measures between public and private stakeholders.
**Impact Analysis**
**Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)**
**Impact**
These providers are central to the deployment of Wi-Fi infrastructure and will be affected by proposed changes to authorization, roaming, and billing systems.
**Action Required**
Review the consultation paper and submit written comments by May 25, 2026, and counter-comments by June 8, 2026, via the specified electronic addresses.
**Central and State Governments / Local Bodies**
**Impact**
The document examines their specific roles in facilitating the growth of public Wi-Fi models across different geographical regions.
**Action Required**
Coordinate with TRAI to provide feedback on the proposed roles and regulatory adjustments to support infrastructure growth.
**Private Entities**
**Impact**
Private entities are identified as key stakeholders in developing sustainable revenue models and viable Wi-Fi deployments in high-footfall and rural areas.
**Action Required**
Provide input on the sustainability of suggested direct and indirect revenue models and identify practical challenges to proliferation.
**TRAI (Broadband and Policy Analysis Division)**
**Impact**
The authority is responsible for collecting, clarifying, and analyzing stakeholder feedback to shape future policy.
**Action Required**
Manage the receipt of comments and provide clarifications through the designated Advisor, Dr. Abdul Kayum, as needed.
Key Entities Referenced
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): The statutory regulatory body that released the consultation paper to review and accelerate the growth of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Consultation Paper on "Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India": The primary policy document issued to identify regulatory challenges and invite stakeholder comments on sustainable models for public Wi-Fi.
Dr. Abdul Kayum: Advisor (Broadband and Policy Analysis) at TRAI, designated as the key official for clarifications and information regarding the consultation process.
Ministry of Communications
TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on
“Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India"
Posted On: 27 APR 2026 12:28PM by PIB Delhi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Consultation Paper on the
"Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India".
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.
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.
The comments may be sent in electronic form at advbbpa@trai.gov.in with a copy to jtadvbbpa-1@trai.go
v.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.
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