₹99 Broadband Plans – India has taken a bold step toward closing the digital divide. In a historic move, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed all internet service providers (ISPs) to introduce ultra-low-cost broadband plans starting at just ₹99 per month. This mandate aims to ensure high-speed, affordable Wi-Fi access in every rural village, putting an end to the dominance of private ISPs and empowering the rural population with reliable internet.
TRAI’s ₹99 Broadband Mandate: A Game-Changer for Digital India
In June 2025, TRAI officially mandated all ISPs—both public and private—to offer basic broadband plans priced at ₹99 per month. The objective is to provide affordable Wi-Fi in rural areas where digital penetration remains minimal.
Key Features of the ₹99 Broadband Plan:
- Minimum speed of 10 Mbps
- Unlimited data usage with Fair Usage Policy (FUP) of 100GB
- No installation charges in rural zones
- 24/7 access in public hotspots
- Monthly recharge, no long-term lock-ins
Why This Move Matters: Bridging the Digital Divide
Over 60% of rural India still lacks consistent internet access, severely limiting access to education, e-governance, banking, and employment opportunities. TRAI’s initiative ensures that:
- Villagers no longer depend on costly mobile data
- Small businesses can go online
- Students can access online learning
- Digital services like Aadhaar, banking, and healthcare reach every home
Comparative Overview of Current ISP Charges vs. TRAI’s Mandate
| Feature | Current Private ISP (Avg.) | New TRAI ₹99 Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ₹399–₹699 | ₹99 |
| Speed | 20–50 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Data Limit | 200–500 GB | 100 GB FUP |
| Installation Charges | ₹500–₹1,000 | ₹0 |
| Lock-in Period | 3–6 months | None |
| Rural Availability | Very Limited | 100% Mandated |
| Public Hotspot Access | No | Yes |
| Beneficiary Segments | Urban/Suburban Only | Rural Only |
How Will Rural Households Benefit?
With Wi-Fi now reaching the remotest corners, rural families will gain access to:
- Online Education Platforms (e.g., DIKSHA, BYJU’S)
- Telemedicine & Government Health Portals
- Digital Payments & Mobile Banking
- Employment Portals & Skill Development Sites
- Weather Alerts & Farming Techniques
Direct Benefits to Villagers:
- Access to online classes for students
- e-KYC and online Aadhaar updates
- Online government schemes application
- Access to online news, YouTube, WhatsApp, etc.
Rollout Plan: Which States Get First Access?
The broadband rollout is set to begin in a phased manner across India’s most underserved states.
| Phase | States Included | Launch Month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh | July 2025 |
| 2 | Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha | August 2025 |
| 3 | Assam, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal | September 2025 |
| 4 | Remaining rural regions PAN-India | October 2025 |
TRAI Cracks Down on Private ISP Monopolies
Until now, major ISPs like JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, and others controlled pricing with minimal reach in rural belts. TRAI’s new rules include:
- Mandatory inclusion of ₹99 plan in tariff list
- No hidden charges for rural users
- Public Wi-Fi providers and Gram Panchayats empowered to distribute access
- License revocation warning for non-compliance
What’s Next: Wi-Fi Kiosks, GramNet & Digital Hubs
In addition to the ₹99 broadband plan, the government is partnering with CSCs (Common Service Centres) and Gram Panchayats to install over 1 lakh digital Wi-Fi kiosks nationwide by 2026.
Future Plans Include:
- Launch of “BharatNet 2.0” with 1 Gbps fiber in all gram panchayats
- Free Wi-Fi zones near government offices and schools
- Mobile-based recharges via UPI-enabled apps
- Integration with PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface)
TRAI’s ₹99 broadband initiative is more than a price cut — it’s a digital lifeline to rural India. With high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet now within reach, millions of villagers can finally take part in India’s digital transformation. This policy not only empowers the rural economy but also sends a clear message to private ISPs: access to the internet is a right, not a luxury.
FAQs
Q1. Who can apply for the ₹99 broadband plan?
Any rural household, preferably verified via Aadhaar or ration card, can avail the plan through authorized ISPs or local Wi-Fi providers.
Q2. Will this plan be available in cities?
No, the ₹99 plan is specifically mandated for rural areas only. Urban and semi-urban locations will continue with existing pricing structures.
Q3. How will the speed and data usage be managed?
The plan offers 10 Mbps speed with 100GB data under a Fair Usage Policy. Post-limit speeds may drop, but no extra charges apply.
Q4. What happens if private ISPs refuse to comply?
TRAI has warned ISPs of penalties and license suspension if they fail to implement the ₹99 rural plan.
Q5. Can villagers recharge or renew this plan online?
Yes, users can recharge via mobile UPI apps, CSC centers, or authorized digital service portals connected to PM-WANI.