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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a series of citizen-centric reforms under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework to make public Wi-Fi access simpler, more affordable, and widely accessible. The upgrades aim to accelerate broadband penetration and strengthen India's digital public infrastructure ecosystem.

What is PM-WANI?

Launched in December 2020, PM-WANI is a nationwide framework designed to expand affordable broadband access through a decentralized network of public Wi-Fi hotspots. It seeks to democratize internet access by enabling small shops, tea stalls, local businesses, and community establishments to act as internet access points without requiring a telecom licence.

The initiative is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications.

How Does the PM-WANI Ecosystem Function?

The framework operates through a distributed architecture comprising four components:

• Public Data Offices (PDOs) serve as the last-mile Wi-Fi providers that purchase internet bandwidth from telecom or internet service providers and offer Wi-Fi services to users.
• Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) provide backend support such as authentication, accounting, and network management for multiple PDOs.
• App Providers offer mobile applications through which users can discover nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and access services.
• The Central Registry, maintained by Centre for Development of Telematics, ensures interoperability among all stakeholders.

A key feature of the framework is that PDOs require no licence, no registration and no fee, thereby reducing entry barriers and encouraging widespread participation.

Recent Reforms and Upgrades

To improve user experience, the government has introduced several enhancements.

A major upgrade allows users to connect laptops and other devices by simply scanning a QR code through an already authenticated smartphone, eliminating cumbersome login procedures.

The framework also encourages operators to introduce affordable short-duration "sachet" plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, making internet access more convenient for travellers, students and occasional users.

Additionally, standardized hotspot naming conventions incorporating PM-WANI branding have been introduced to help users easily identify authentic and secure public Wi-Fi networks.