PM-WANI :

PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) is a scheme by the Indian government to improve internet accessibility by establishing public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country . The scheme particularly focuses on rural areas to create a robust digital communications infrastructure . As of March 20, 2025, there are 278,439 PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots installed in India .

Here’s a detailed look at the PM-WANI scheme:

Objective: To provide affordable internet access to citizens, especially in rural areas and for those who are financially weaker, thereby bridging the digital divide and promoting digital literacy .
Key Components:
- Public Data Office (PDO): Establishes and operates Wi-Fi access points . Local shops and establishments can become PDOs without needing a license or paying registration fees .
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Provides aggregation services like authorization and accounting for PDOs . Companies registered under the Companies Act, 2013 can apply for PDOA registration .
- Users: Individuals who access the internet services provided by the PDOs .
Benefits:
- Affordable Internet: Offers internet services at rates lower than market prices .
- Digital Inclusion: Promotes widespread internet access, increasing technological awareness among citizens .
- Income Opportunities: Allows small businesses like grocery stores and restaurants to offer Wi-Fi services, creating an additional income source .
Challenges and Solutions:
- High Connectivity Costs: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are working to reduce broadband costs for PDOs .
- Tariff Revisions: TRAI has proposed capping broadband tariffs for PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme to twice the retail broadband tariff for corresponding Fiber to The Home (FTTH) services .
- Access Point Networking: The DoT has amended the PM-WANI framework to allow PDOs to network up to 100 access points to establish a single Wi-Fi hotspot .
PM-WANI WiFi Plans:
- ₹6 for 1GB (1-day validity)
- ₹9 for 2GB (2-day validity)
- ₹18 for 5GB (3-day validity)
- ₹25 for 20GB (7-day validity)
- ₹49 for 40GB (14-day validity)
- ₹99 for 100GB (30-day validity)
Becoming a PDO: No formal registration is required; individuals can contact a PDOA to set up internet services ..