TRAI Updates Tariff Framework for Retail Broadband Connectivity to PDOs
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has expressed its support for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recent Telecommunication Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025, which was announced on June 16, 2025. This new regulation stipulates that all retail Fiber to the Home (FTTH) broadband plans offering speeds up to 200 Mbps must be made available to Public Data Offices (PDOs) at prices not exceeding double the consumer broadband rates. This move is expected to significantly reduce backhaul tariffs for public Wi-Fi hotspots, making them up to ten times more affordable.
Transforming Public Internet Access
The PM-WANI initiative, launched under the Prime Minister’s vision of “Broadband for All,” aims to enhance public internet access and promote digital inclusion across urban and underserved areas. The recent tariff order from TRAI is a direct response to the DoT’s request for a review of the PM-WANI PDO backhaul tariffs. The DoT highlighted that the high costs of internet access and mandatory expensive leased line agreements were hindering local shopkeepers and small businesses from becoming PDOs, thereby limiting the initiative’s potential for growth.
In September 2024, the DoT introduced a series of reforms within the PM-WANI framework to address challenges in expanding public Wi-Fi. These reforms include allowing multiple access points to share a single backhaul link, enabling private Wi-Fi access points to add a public SSID, and facilitating seamless user transitions between PDO Aggregator networks. Additionally, PDOs can collaborate with telecom service providers to alleviate spectrum congestion while generating extra revenue.
Boosting Affordability and Accessibility
The combination of TRAI’s tariff cap and the DoT’s reforms is poised to enhance affordability for small PDO operators. This initiative aims to incentivize grassroots PDOs and promote the expansion of public Wi-Fi networks, ultimately bridging the digital divide and empowering local entrepreneurs. The DoT remains committed to working alongside TRAI, telecom service providers, PDOs, and other stakeholders to ensure rapid deployment of reliable connectivity and inclusive access throughout India.
Understanding PM-WANI
The PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, approved by the Union Cabinet on December 9, 2020, seeks to broaden broadband access via public Wi-Fi networks across the country. This initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, by fostering a robust digital infrastructure. The framework encompasses various components, including PDOs, PDO Aggregators, App Providers, and a Central Registry managed by C-DOT. Notably, there are no licensing or registration fees required for PDOs and PDOAs, making it easier for participants to join. Currently, India boasts 333,215 PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots, 205 PDO Aggregators, and 111 App Providers, showcasing the initiative’s growing reach and impact.
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