New Delhi, June 16, 2025 — In a strategic move to enhance affordable internet access across the country, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced the 71st Amendment to the Telecommunication Tariff Order (TTO), 2025. This new order directly addresses the cost of broadband services provided to Public Data Offices (PDOs) under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme.
The revised tariff policy mandates that broadband plans offered to PDOs must be priced reasonably, allowing them access to broadband speeds up to 200 Mbps at no more than double the cost of corresponding plans available to individual home users.
Tackling Affordability Challenges in Public Wi-Fi Access
The PM-WANI initiative, designed to create a widespread public Wi-Fi network across India, has faced slower-than-expected adoption. A key obstacle highlighted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) was the steep pricing of connectivity packages offered by telecom and internet service providers.
These providers often insisted on commercial-level packages and costly leased lines for PDOs — a model incompatible with the grassroots nature of the PM-WANI program, which relies heavily on local entrepreneurs and small vendors.
Consultation and Policy Evolution
To rectify this, TRAI first floated the 70th Amendment in August 2024, proposing more affordable connectivity aligned with household broadband pricing. Following extensive feedback from stakeholders, and after DoT’s September 2024 update to remove mandatory commercial agreements for PDOs, TRAI returned with a refined version.
In January 2025, TRAI proposed the 71st Amendment, suggesting a pricing ceiling for PDO broadband plans, limiting them to twice the residential rates of similar service levels. This proposal also underwent public consultation and was followed by an Open House Discussion on April 8, 2025.
After consolidating inputs and conducting in-depth review, TRAI finalized and released the new pricing framework.
Key Directive in the 71st Amendment
The final order requires that:
“Telecom service providers must make all broadband plans with speeds up to 200 Mbps available to PDOs registered under PM-WANI at prices not exceeding twice the rate charged to regular residential users for equivalent services.”
Enabling Wider Internet Reach
This revised pricing model is crafted to ensure small-scale internet providers and entrepreneurs aren’t burdened by excessive costs. At the same time, it ensures telecom providers are compensated fairly for their services.
The new guidelines are expected to accelerate the spread of public internet hotspots by making it easier for small businesses and community-level operators to join the PM-WANI initiative. By reducing financial entry barriers and simplifying participation, the scheme is poised to grow significantly in the coming years.
A Push Toward Digital Inclusion
With this tariff reform, TRAI aims to revitalize the PM-WANI vision and create a more inclusive and equitable digital infrastructure. This step is expected to not only increase the number of active public Wi-Fi hotspots but also bring meaningful connectivity to underserved communities, boosting digital literacy, education, and e-governance access.