Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a series of user-friendly reforms under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework.
About PM-WANI:
PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in 2020.
It aims to enhance the proliferation of public WiFi hotspots to create robust digital communications infrastructure in the country, especially in rural areas.
Objectives:
To overcome the digital divide by increasing internet connectivity, especially in remote and rural regions.
To empower individuals and businesses to participate in the digital economy through affordable internet access.
To encourage local entrepreneurs by enabling shopkeepers and individuals to become Public Data Office (PDO) operators.
PM-WANI Ecosystem Components:
Public Data Office (PDO): It will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI-compliant Wi-Fi access points and deliver broadband services to subscribers. No license is required from DoT.
The local shops and small establishments as PDOs may earn extra income from selling internet without any requirement of license, registration, and/or any fees to DoT.
Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to authorization and accounting.
App Provider: It will develop an App to register users and discover WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet services.
Central Registry: It will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs.
It is currently maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT).
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
