KOLKATA: 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.In the paper issued Wednesday, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India 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.“It’s obvious that deployment of a Wi-Fi network will not only enhance internet speeds but will also make data affordable to consumers and hence help in bringing the unconnected to the connected world,” Trai said in its paper. ET had reported on Trai’s plan to issue the consultation paper in its April 4 edition.The paper comes as leading carriers Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, along with the incoming Reliance Jio Infocomm, deploy Wi-Fi networks in what could emerge as the new battleground for higher revenue-generating data customers. Bharti Airtel and Vodafone have already launched Wi-Fi hotspots to offload data traffic and ease pressure on their mobile networks, while Jio is slated to do the same after its much awaited commercial launch.Telcos have historically viewed public Wi-Fi as a threat to their data revenue, although they now recognise that they can add much-needed data capacity without buying expensive spectrum since the technology offering internet connectivity is delivered over unlicensed, free airwaves.The regulator has advocated the development of a payment platform that allows easy access to Wi-Fi services across internet service providers (ISPs) and through any payment instrument, be it credit cards, payment wallets or bank accounts. It has suggested deployment of the Universal Payment Interface of the National Payments Corporation of India for evolving a versatile payment mechanism.However, Trai has underscored the need for a strong policy and regulatory foundation since Wi-Fi in public places is still in its infancy in India. “Wi-Fi adoption in public places is in its green field phase and hence the need to resolve early challenges and risks for development of innovative models that support Wi-Fienabled broadband connectivity.”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%, Trai said. “For India to reach a goal of one hotspot for every 150 people, 8 lakh additional hotspots will have to be installed.”Trai has invited industry views on policy/regulatory enablers needed for deployment of ubiquitous citywide Wi-Fi networks and whether additional frequency bands need to delicenced to promote the technology and deepen broadband penetration. It invited feedback on whether any regulatory and licensing hurdles could potentially hinder growth of Wi-Fi in public places.It sought views on measures required to encourage inter-operability between cellular and Wi-Fi networks and also between Wi-Fi networks of multiple service providers in India and overseas.Trai also wants to know the challenges faced in the authentication procedure for access to Wi-Fi hotspots and ways to ensure simplified access for both domestic users and foreign tourists.