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What is the PM-WANI scheme?
Prime Minister’s WiFi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in December 2020. The scheme aims to enhance the proliferation of public WiFi hotspots to create robust digital communications infrastructure in the country, especially in rural areas.
Through better access to public hotspots, the government aims to increase employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs and provide low-cost internet to the underserved urban poor and rural households.
The scheme encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery which does not require a licence or charge a registration fee.
How can you access the PM-WANI internet?
To access public hotspots under PM-WANI scheme one needs to download a relevant App which shows the available networks. The user can then choose from a list of available connections and make a payment to use the network. The user can access the network till his/her balance is exhausted.
PM-WANI ecosystem
PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts: Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
PDO establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users. PDOA provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs. The app provider displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity. The central registry overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
According to the PM-WANI central registry, there are 136 PDO aggregators, 83 app providers, and 132,529 public Wi-Fi hotspots, as of November 2022.
Benefits of PM-WANI
The scheme encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery which does not require a licence or charge a registration fee.
How can you access the PM-WANI internet?
To access public hotspots under PM-WANI scheme one needs to download a relevant App which shows the available networks. The user can then choose from a list of available connections and make a payment to use the network. The user can access the network till his/her balance is exhausted.
PM-WANI ecosystem
PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts: Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
PDO establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users. PDOA provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs. The app provider displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity. The central registry overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
According to the PM-WANI central registry, there are 136 PDO aggregators, 83 app providers, and 132,529 public Wi-Fi hotspots, as of November 2022.
Benefits of PM-WANI
- WANI Wi-Fi architecture can lead to enhanced internet penetration which could lead to an increase in gross domestic product.
- It can scale up internet access in rural areas, thereby narrowing the digital divide.
- Can generate jobs in small- and medium-scale sectors.
- Could provide affordable internet access to the mass underserved section of society and help boost digital India.
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