The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issues new regulations for Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) aimed at promoting the PM-WANI (Prime Minister WiFi Access Network Interface) scheme. These regulations further the Department of Telecommunication (DoT)’s previous communique to TRAI, in which concerns were raised regarding the scheme's slow proliferation. 

The earlier published Draft Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024, proposes aligning the tariff for broadband services provided to PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme with retail broadband (FTTH) tariffs. It has been put to discussion to invite comments and counter-comments from stakeholders. 

Recommendation 

After analyzing the comments and counter-arguments by the stakeholders, the Authority proposes a revised Draft Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order prescribing that the broadband tariff (FTTH) for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme should not exceed twice the tariff applicable for retail broadband (FTTH) services of corresponding capacity offered by service providers. 

50 Million public Wi-fi hotspots 

The newly proposed regulations aim to support the effective and robust proliferation of the PM-WANI scheme and also establish a balance between the PDOs and service providers. Additionally, this initiative aims to contribute to the broader objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, and Bharat 6G Vision, which targets the deployment of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030. 

Don't forget to catch up with our previous report on coverage at: How many Gram Panchayats have been Connected Under Bharat Net? Read More to Know the State-wise Data

Earlier regulations 

Earlier regulations mandated The PDOs to enter commercial agreements with TSPs for internet connectivity. This levied hefty costs on PDOs for backhaul internet connectivity charged by TSPs and ISPs.  

Further, on 16th September 2024, DoT issued amendments to the PM-WANI framework permitting PDOs to network up to 100 access points to establish a single Wi-Fi hotspot.

Further comments and counter-arguments 

The draft amendment is available on TRAI’s website. The press release stated that stakeholders are invited to submit their written comments by January 31, 2025, and counter-comments by February 7, 2025.

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