TRAI releases Recommendations on ''Proliferation of Broadband through Public Wi-Fi Networks''

NEW DELHI: The telecom industry watchdog Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has submitted recommendations on the proliferation of broadband through public Wi-Fi networks.

The regulator said Department of Telecommunication (DoT) may amend the terms of the ISP license to allow for sharing of active infrastructure, in line with the Unified License (UL). Further, the Authority recommends that a clarification be provided in respect of all license categories, that sharing of infrastructure related to Wi-Fi equipment such as Wi-Fi router, Access point, and backhaul is also allowed.

The DoT may re-visit the TRAI’s earlier recommendations and consider de-licensing spectrum in the 5.725 - 5.825 GHz spectrum band for outdoor usage, and expedite decision on allocating E-band (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) and V-band (57- 64 GHz) to service providers.

Subject to the DoT’s agreement with the Authority’s interpretation, the DoT issue a clarification in respect of Clause (1)(xxii) of the UL VNO Guidelines, specifically clarifying that there is no exclusivity requirement upon UL VNO licensees for Internet services i.e. a UL VNO can parent to multiple NSO for providing Internet service.

Existing requirement of authentication through OTP for each instance of access may be done away with. Authentication through eKYC, eCAF and other electronic modes be allowed for the purposes of KYC obligations. In consultation with the security agencies, DoT may consider authentication by MAC ID of the device or through a mobile APP which stores eKYC data of the subscriber and automatically authenticate the subscriber. (Para 2.24)

The import duty applicable upon Wi-Fi access point equipment be revisited in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce. This will reduce cost of providing Wi-Fi service in the country leading to proliferation of broadband services.

A new framework should be put in place for setting up of Public Data Offices (PDOs). Under this framework, PDOs in agreement with Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs), should be allowed to provide public Wi-Fi services. This will not only increase number of public hotspots but also make Internet service more affordable in the country.

PDOAs may be allowed to provide public Wi-Fi services without obtaining any specific license for the purpose. However, they would be subject to specific registration requirements (prescribed by the DoT) which will include obligations to ensure that e-KYC, authentication and record- keeping requirements (for customers, devices and PDOs enlisted with the PDOAs) are fulfilled by the PDOAs. This will encourage village level entrepreneurship and provide strong employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.

Authentication through eKYC, eCAF and other electronic modes be allowed for the purposes of KYC obligations cast upon PDOAs. This would enable PDOAs to obtain eKYC information and automatically authenticate the user device based on parameters such as the device’s MAC ID or through a mobile APP, which will store data required for authentication of the subscriber. This will further improve user experience.

PDOAs be allowed to enter into agreements with third party application/ service providers for the purposes of managing authentication and payment processes. Appropriate guidelines may be issued to ensure that customer consent is obtained, and other issues surrounding privacy and protection of sensitive personal information are addressed. This will encourage innovation in authentication and payment processes resulting in ease in access of the Wi-Fi services.