DoT, TRAI spar over telco, ISP charges to PDOs

The department of telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are at loggerheads over the high connection rates charged by telcos and internet service providers (ISPs) from public data offices (PDOs).

PDOs are local outlets deploying public Wi-Fi hotspots under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM Wani) programme.

Telcos and ISPs are charging up to Rs 8 lakh a year from PDOs and public data office aggregators (PDOAs) for supplying internet-leased lines for bandwidth and other fibre resources needed to deploy public Wi-Fi hotspots.

DoT believes that the demand of PDOs and associations like Broadband India Forum (BIF) for a reduction in charges by telcos is justified. TRAI, however, is not convinced with the idea of intervening in business operations of ISPs and telcos on the grounds of tariff forbearance.

“DoT has written to TRAI with regard to issues such as telcos/ISPs charging higher rates for bandwidth. TRAI, however, is yet to respond on the matter,” an official said on the condition of anonymity.

The issue needs to be resolved to ensure the commercial viability of the PM Wani, which was launched in 2020 and is yet to take off. The project aims to democratise content distribution and broadband access at affordable rates. Financial Express