TRAI ₹99 Broadband Scheme – In a significant move to bridge the digital divide across India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced a revolutionary ₹99 broadband scheme. Designed to provide affordable internet access to millions in underserved and remote areas, this initiative is set to transform digital connectivity for rural households. With high-speed internet access becoming a necessity, the ₹99 broadband plan aims to empower citizens by enabling access to education, e-governance, digital banking, and online job opportunities. This scheme is part of TRAI’s larger digital inclusion vision, in collaboration with BharatNet and private Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Let’s explore the key features, benefits, and full details of the TRAI ₹99 broadband plan.
What Is the TRAI ₹99 Broadband Scheme?
The ₹99 broadband scheme is a low-cost high-speed internet initiative launched by TRAI, focusing on rural and Tier-2 & Tier-3 regions. The goal is to ensure universal digital access by providing affordable Wi-Fi to even the remotest parts of India.
Key Objectives:
- Expand digital access to every village and household
- Offer basic broadband services at just ₹99/month
- Boost digital literacy and online participation
- Enable access to digital education, banking, and healthcare
Complete Benefits of TRAI’s ₹99 Broadband Plan
This scheme goes beyond just affordable pricing — it brings digital empowerment to rural citizens, enabling them to connect to the rest of the country and the world.
Here’s what users can expect:
- High-speed internet at minimal cost
- Unlimited data usage with FUP (Fair Usage Policy)
- Access to digital education and government services
- Encouragement for youth to learn coding, digital marketing
- Ease in online banking and e-commerce
- Boost for rural startups and job seekers
- Digital empowerment of women and students
TRAI ₹99 Broadband Plan: Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | ₹99 Plan Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rental | ₹99 (inclusive of taxes) |
| Internet Speed | Up to 10 Mbps |
| Data Limit (FUP) | 50 GB/month |
| Speed After FUP | 512 Kbps |
| Installation Charges | Free for first-time users |
| Wi-Fi Router | Provided by ISP (Refundable) |
| Plan Validity | 30 Days |
| Target Audience | Rural and Semi-urban families |
Eligibility Criteria for TRAI ₹99 Rural Broadband
The scheme has been specifically designed to include marginalized communities and digitally unserved households.
Who Can Apply?
- Residents of rural or semi-urban areas
- Families with no prior broadband connection
- Households with income under ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Students and unemployed youth seeking digital access
- Women-led households in need of internet connectivity
Required Documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Ration card or income certificate
- Proof of rural residence
- Student ID (for student-specific offers)
How to Apply for TRAI ₹99 Broadband Plan
The government has made the application process simple, both online and offline.
Steps to Register:
- Visit the nearest CSC (Common Service Centre) or official ISP outlet
- Fill out the TRAI broadband application form
- Submit documents including proof of residence and ID
- Installation is done within 5-7 working days
- Router delivered and account activated post verification
Online Process (Pilot Areas):
- Go to the official BharatNet portal
- Choose the ₹99 broadband option under “Rural Plans”
- Upload documents and complete registration
- Track application and installation progress
TRAI’s Partnerships With Local ISPs & BharatNet
To ensure fast and reliable service delivery, TRAI has partnered with regional ISPs and the BharatNet network infrastructure. This public-private collaboration ensures quality service at minimal prices.
Participating ISPs Include:
- BSNL Rural Connect
- RailTel Broadband for Villages
- Jio BharatNet Services
- Airtel Rural Fiber Project
- Regional startups like GramNet and Net4India
State-Level Support:
- Government panchayats and state digital offices are coordinating logistics
- Infrastructure support from Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL)
- Free awareness camps and on-ground agents for elderly/illiterate applicants
TRAI ₹99 Plan vs Regular Broadband Plans – Full Comparison
Here’s how the new ₹99 plan compares to regular broadband packages from top providers:
| Parameter | TRAI ₹99 Plan | BSNL Basic | JioFiber 100 | Airtel Xstream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ₹99 | ₹299 | ₹399 | ₹499 |
| Speed | Up to 10 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 30 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
| Data Cap | 50 GB | 100 GB | 150 GB | Unlimited |
| Free Installation | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Target Audience | Rural users | General | Urban users | Urban users |
| Device Included | Yes (Refund) | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Post-FUP Speed | 512 Kbps | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 1 Mbps |
TRAI’s Long-Term Vision: Digital India for Every Household
This broadband scheme is aligned with the Digital India Mission, ensuring last-mile connectivity. It is designed not just as an economic package, but as a digital empowerment strategy.
Expected Impact by 2026:
- 80 million new rural households digitally connected
- Online education access expanded to 5 crore+ children
- Rural employment through digital platforms to double
- Micro and small businesses to get e-commerce exposure
- Inclusion of remote areas in online government schemes
The TRAI ₹99 broadband scheme is more than just an affordable internet plan—it is a giant leap toward achieving full digital inclusion in India. From education to entrepreneurship, this initiative brings every Indian household a step closer to becoming digitally empowered. Whether you’re a student, homemaker, job seeker, or small business owner in rural India, this plan unlocks opportunities like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What speed will I get in the TRAI ₹99 broadband scheme?
You’ll get up to 10 Mbps speed with a 50 GB monthly cap. After that, the speed drops to 512 Kbps.
2. Is there any installation or hidden fee involved?
No, the installation is completely free under the TRAI scheme for first-time users.
3. Can I apply for the plan online?
Yes, in selected areas, you can register via the BharatNet or partner ISP websites.
4. Will a Wi-Fi router be provided under this plan?
Yes, most ISPs will provide a Wi-Fi router with a refundable deposit or minimal charge.
5. Who is eligible for this ₹99 broadband plan?
Residents of rural/semi-urban areas, especially those with no prior broadband access or low-income households, are eligible.