TRAI Aims for Public Wi-Fi at Rs 20/GB, but Will It Happen Soon?

TRAI is pushing for public Wi-Fi services that will involve multiple service providers using a single platform.

It’s time India starts adopting public Wi-Fi hotspots to push internet usage. (Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Happy days for internet users on the go may be around the corner, with the government gearing up to offer public Wi-Fi at knock-down prices.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that public Wi-Fi in India be made available to everyone for as low as Rs 20 per GB (or 2 paise per MB).

However, there’s no mention of the speeds that may be offered, according to a report in The Times of India. But telecom experts reckon the project may give you 2Mbps, which is way below global standards.

Also Read: India’s Average Internet Speed at 5.6 Mbps Ranks 14 Lowest in Asia

TRAI’s recommendations are aimed at increasing internet connectivity in India. (Photo: The Quint)

TRAI hopes to bring together various internet providers on one platform in order to make sure that public Wi-Fi services aren’t limited to one particular brand.

In the past, the likes of Tata Docomo have pushed similar services, but the poor response from the public meant they didn’t last long.

This clearly means that all internet brands have to work in tandem to get the public Wi-Fi ball rolling, and to make it affordable and accessible for all. This will also reduce chances of the network choking, thereby bringing down call drops and network failure.

In the past, whenever the subject of public Wi-Fi has cropped up, security issues have always been a concern. So, are we finally in a position to not worry about any apparent security issues that could arise from public Wi-Fi hotspots?

One cannot deny that TRAI’s focus on public Wi-Fi stems from the cost-effective nature of setting it up, compared to costly mobile networks. Ask Airtel and Reliance Jio how much they spent on acquiring spectrum in India.

Also, TRAI realises that the Wi-Fi ecosystem in the country is yet to evolve as compared to other countries. The recommendations may go a long way in adressing that.

The suggestions will now be sent over to the telecom ministry, and let’s hope everyone’s Wi-Fi wishes are fulfilled.

Also Read: Get Ready for 5G as Reliance Jio, Samsung Team up to Offer Service