Lower broadband costs, wider Wi-Fi access, TRAI’s new tariff cap for PM-WANI aims to empower small businesses and accelerate digital inclusion across India’s underserved regions.
In a push to revitalise India’s public Wi-Fi initiative, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the 71st Amendment to its Telecommunication Tariff Order, setting new limits on broadband prices for Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI scheme.
Under the new order, telecom providers offering fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband must make all retail plans up to 200 Mbps available to PDOs at no more than twice the rate charged to regular consumers for similar plans.
The amendment addresses concerns raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which highlighted the scheme’s slow uptake. A key issue was the high cost of connectivity, with providers often insisting PDOs use costly leased lines under commercial terms.
The aim, TRAI noted in a release, is to make public Wi-Fi financially accessible for small entrepreneurs and vendors by removing price-related hurdles and ensuring equitable access to broadband services.
“By aligning with these considerations, the framework aims to facilitate the orderly, sustainable, and inclusive growth of the public Wi-Fi ecosystem under the PM-WANI initiative,” mentioned the government body.
TRAI had first released a draft tariff order in August 2024 to gather feedback from stakeholders. Following this, the DoT amended the PM-WANI framework in September, removing the requirement for PDOs to enter commercial agreements with service providers.
A revised draft was published in January 2025, and further consultation took place through an Open House Discussion in April.
Now finalised, the tariff structure is designed to ensure affordability for PDOs while allowing fair compensation for service providers. It reflects both current market dynamics and long-term digital infrastructure goals.
The move is expected to reduce barriers for small businesses aiming to offer public Wi-Fi, especially in underserved and rural areas. With digital inclusion a national priority, this updated pricing policy is poised to support the expansion of public internet access.
The complete order is available on TRAI’s website. For further details, stakeholders may contact Vijay Kumar, Advisor (Financial & Economic Analysis), TRAI.
