The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on the “Proliferation of Public Wi‑Fi Networks in India,” seeking stakeholder inputs on measures to accelerate the rollout of public Wi‑Fi infrastructure nationwide. The paper, published on 27 April 2026, reviews the existing regulatory framework and outlines key issues that have constrained wider adoption of public Wi‑Fi services.
According to the release, the consultation examines international public Wi‑Fi ecosystems, drawing on global best practices and experiences from other countries. It also assesses the current status of public Wi‑Fi in India, including deployment trends and demand patterns, to identify structural challenges facing the domestic market.
TRAI has highlighted several focus areas, including the role of central and state governments, local bodies, telecom and internet service providers, and private entities in developing viable public Wi‑Fi models across rural areas, urban centres, and high‑footfall locations. The paper further explores issues related to authorisation, authentication, roaming and billing systems in the Indian public Wi‑Fi ecosystem, as well as potential direct and indirect revenue models to support long‑term sustainability.
The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website, and written comments have been invited from stakeholders by 25 May 2026, with counter‑comments due by 8 June 2026. Submissions can be sent via email to the designated TRAI addresses
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