TRAI explores framework for wide deployment of public WiFi

NEW DELHI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sought views on a model for deployment of public WiFi hotspots, including reselling of service by venue owners, that can be scaled up for wider coverage and affordable broadband services.

The telecom regulator said its consultation paper on model for nation-wide interoperable and scalable public WiFi networks is "to explore the roles of different stakeholders in the Public WiFi network value chain and build an ecosystem for promoting scalable and sustainable partnerships for large scale nation wide deployment."

The regulator said that it is also exploring monetisation and sustainable business models for public WiFi networks though the consultation process.


The regulator has identified lack of spectrum in the backend to connect WiFi hotspots, stagnated growth of landline connections, authentication of WiFi user, payment mechanism, infrastructure woes like availability of power among issues hindering proliferation of public WiFi.

TRAI has proposed that various entities can be part of public WiFi include malls, restaurant owners, mobile wallet firms, communities to reduce cost of operations and contribute through their expertise.

Among comments on various issues for public WiFi growth, TRAI has sought views on "Whether reselling of bandwidth should be allowed to venue owners such as shop keepers through WiFi at premise? In such a scenario please suggest the mechanism for security compliance."

Last date for submitting comments on the paper is November 25.