TRAI Releases Consultation Paper to Expand Public Wi-Fi Networks Across India

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released a consultation paper on the “Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India”, opening a fresh policy discussion on how the country can expand affordable, accessible and sustainable public internet infrastructure. The paper was released on April 27, 2026, and seeks stakeholder feedback on ways to accelerate the deployment of public Wi-Fi networks across India.

The consultation paper reviews the existing regulatory framework and identifies the major challenges slowing the growth of public Wi-Fi services. TRAI has invited suggestions from stakeholders on measures needed to improve public Wi-Fi availability, especially in rural areas, urban centres and high-footfall locations such as markets, transport hubs, institutions and public spaces.

A major focus of the paper is the study of global public Wi-Fi models. TRAI has examined how public Wi-Fi ecosystems function in other countries and what lessons India can draw from international deployment practices. The paper also assesses the current status of public Wi-Fi in India, including deployment trends, demand patterns and infrastructure gaps.

The regulator has also outlined the role of different stakeholders in building a viable public Wi-Fi ecosystem. These include the Central Government, State Governments, local bodies, telecom service providers, internet service providers and private entities. TRAI’s consultation aims to understand how these players can work together to create workable business and operational models for wider Wi-Fi access.

The paper examines key operational issues such as authorisation, user authentication, roaming and billing systems. These areas are important because public Wi-Fi must be easy for users to access, safe from misuse, commercially viable for operators and interoperable enough to support seamless connectivity across locations.

TRAI has also analysed possible revenue models for public Wi-Fi networks, including both direct and indirect revenue streams. This is significant because public Wi-Fi expansion cannot depend only on infrastructure rollout; it also needs a sustainable financial model that encourages service providers, local entrepreneurs and private players to invest in long-term operations.

The consultation comes at a time when digital connectivity has become central to education, business, public services, e-governance, payments, tourism and daily communication. Wider public Wi-Fi access can help bridge connectivity gaps, reduce pressure on mobile networks and support citizens who need low-cost internet access outside their homes or offices.

TRAI has made the consultation paper available on its official website. Stakeholders can submit written comments by May 25, 2026, while counter-comments can be submitted by June 8, 2026. The consultation process is expected to help shape future policy measures for expanding India’s public Wi-Fi infrastructure.

The move signals TRAI’s effort to revive and strengthen the public Wi-Fi conversation in India. If implemented effectively, the outcome of this consultation could help create a more connected digital ecosystem where reliable internet access becomes easier in villages, towns, transport corridors, markets, campuses and other public spaces.

Reference:

https://ddnews.gov.in/en/trai-releases-consultation-paper-on-expansion-of-public-wi-fi-networks/
https://www.trai.gov.in/consultation-paper-proliferation-public-wi-fi-networks-india
https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/2026-04/PR_No.54of2026.pdf