TRAI Issues Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order 2025

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled the Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025, aimed at regulating tariffs for retail broadband services provided to Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the PM-WANI Scheme. This move comes in response to concerns raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding the slow adoption of the PM-WANI initiative, primarily attributed to high internet costs imposed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The new tariff framework seeks to make broadband access more affordable for PDOs, thereby promoting the growth of public Wi-Fi services across the country.

Background of the PM-WANI Scheme

The PM-WANI Scheme was introduced to enhance public access to Wi-Fi services across India. However, the initiative has not achieved its intended reach, with the DoT noting that the proliferation of PDOs has fallen short of expectations. A significant factor contributing to this issue has been the high costs associated with internet connectivity, as TSPs and ISPs often require PDOs to establish commercial agreements that involve expensive Internet Leased Lines (ILL). This has created barriers for small-scale PDOs, limiting their ability to provide affordable internet access to the public.

In August 2024, TRAI proposed a draft amendment to address these concerns, suggesting that the tariffs for broadband services provided to PDOs should align with the retail broadband Fiber to the Home (FTTH) tariffs. This proposal was open for stakeholder feedback, which highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to pricing that would support the growth of PDOs while ensuring fair compensation for service providers.

Key Changes in the Tariff Framework

Following the feedback from stakeholders and an internal review, TRAI has finalized the 71st Amendment Order, which sets a new pricing structure for PDOs under the PM-WANI Scheme. The revised framework stipulates that service providers must offer all retail FTTH broadband plans of up to 200 Mbps to PDOs at a tariff not exceeding twice the price charged to retail subscribers for similar services. This adjustment aims to make broadband services more accessible to PDOs, thereby encouraging their establishment and operation.

The new tariff structure is designed to balance the interests of both PDOs and service providers. By ensuring that PDOs can afford the necessary broadband connections, TRAI hopes to foster a more robust public Wi-Fi ecosystem. The framework takes into account the current market conditions and the potential for future growth in the adoption of PM-WANI services.

Consultation Process and Stakeholder Engagement

The development of the 71st Amendment Order involved extensive consultation with stakeholders in the telecommunications sector. TRAI invited comments and counter-comments on the draft proposals, allowing various parties to express their views and concerns. An Open House Discussion (OHD) was also conducted to facilitate direct engagement between TRAI and stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered in the final decision-making process.

This collaborative approach reflects TRAI’s commitment to creating a fair and inclusive regulatory environment. By actively involving stakeholders, TRAI aims to ensure that the new tariff framework not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by PDOs but also supports the long-term sustainability of the PM-WANI initiative.

Implications for the Future of Public Wi-Fi

The implementation of the 71st Amendment Order is expected to have significant implications for the future of public Wi-Fi in India. By lowering the cost of broadband access for PDOs, TRAI aims to stimulate the growth of public Wi-Fi networks, making internet services more widely available to underserved populations. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of enhancing digital connectivity and promoting inclusive growth.

The finalized tariff framework has been published on TRAI’s official website, providing transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders involved. For further inquiries, individuals can reach out to TRAI’s Advisor for Financial & Economic Analysis. As the PM-WANI Scheme continues to evolve, the new tariff structure is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of public internet access in India.

Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn