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Trai builds a strong case for boosting broadband availability via Wi-Fi

The telecom regulator has floated a consultation paper that builds a strong case for boosting broadband availability through Wi-Fi in public places on the grounds that data tariffs on such systems could be a fraction of the prevailing rates on mobile networks.



Trai had estimated that the "cost per MB" on a Wi-Fi network could be less than 2 paise, or a 10th of the average 23 paise/MB that consumers typically pay for data on 2G, 3G or 4G mobile networks.



Globally, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots surged more than six-fold in the three years to 2016, while the increase in India has been only 12%. For India to reach a goal of one hotspot for every 150 people, 8 lakh additional hotspots will have to be installed, as per Trai.