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Bloomberg Quint
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TRAI Caps Internet Rates For Public Wi-Fi Vendors
- TRAI has set a cap on broadband connectivity costs for Wi-Fi service providers under the PM-WANI initiative.
- This move aims to address concerns about high connectivity costs and restrictive contracts hindering the adoption of the scheme.
- Telecom companies were providing expensive leased-line connections to Wi-Fi vendors, impacting affordability.
- The new regulation limits the cost to no more than twice the retail rate for home broadband services.
- Regional broadband providers were charging high prices to small vendors like tea stalls and grocery stores.
- ISP's like Hathway, ACT, and Spectra must offer regulated broadband plans to Wi-Fi vendors at fair prices.
- The amendment aims to create parity between home users and public Wi-Fi providers, enhancing accessibility.
- TRAI's decision follows public consultations and industry feedback to boost affordability and adoption of public Wi-Fi services.
- The move intends to support small businesses in providing affordable internet services to the public.
- While addressing cost barriers, the regulation underscores ongoing challenges in scaling the PM-WANI initiative.
- The scheme, designed to decentralize internet access through local entrepreneurs, faces scalability issues.
- TRAI plans to monitor PDOs' data usage and may adjust the framework based on future trends.
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