India's Broadband India Forum Backs TRAI Move to Recognize Public Wi-Fi as Core Broadband Infrastructure Layer

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) formally welcomed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposal to officially recognize Public Wi-Fi as a complementary layer of India's broadband infrastructure in early June 2026. The industry body argued that Wi-Fi must be treated as essential infrastructure alongside fiber and 5G to achieve the National Broadband Mission 2.0 target of connecting 2.7 lakh (270,000) villages by 2030. India presents a paradox characteristic of the digital divide globally: the country has 4G coverage reaching over 98% of the population, yet internet adoption still significantly lags in rural and low-income communities due to the cost of SIM-based data and smartphone ownership gaps. Public Wi-Fi hotspots — accessible without data plans — represent a critical entry point for first-time users and complement BharatNet Phase III's fiber backbone rollout (officially launched May 24, 2026, targeting all remaining 6.25 lakh villages with ₹1.5 lakh crore / ~$18B investment). India's PM-WANI framework has already deployed thousands of public Wi-Fi access points via local shop-keepers, but consistent network quality and financial sustainability of hotspot providers remain challenges. The BIF and TRAI's push to formally recognize Wi-Fi as infrastructure would unlock dedicated spectrum, tax incentives, and universal service fund eligibility for public Wi-Fi providers — potentially accelerating affordable internet access for India's 600 million still-unconnected citizens.