PM-WANI Program Overview
PM-WANI (Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) or PM WANI scheme, aims to Elevate internet access and connectivity through wireless/WiFi across India. The Scheme would enable our small shopkeepers, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and so fourth, to provide Wi-Fi services. This will boost incomes as well as ensure common citizen to get seamless internet connectivity.
Introduction of PM-WANI Framework
The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of Department of Telecom (DoT) to proliferate Broadband through Public Wi-Fi networks under the framework of the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) on 9th December 2020.
This framework takes forward the goal of National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP) of creating a robust digital communications infrastructure. The PM-WANI framework envisages provision of Broadband through Public Wi-Fi Hotspot providers. It will consist of elements such as Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider and Central Registry.
Importance of PM-WANI Framework
"To facilitate ease of doing business and encourage local shops and small establishments to become Wi-Fi providers, it has been approved that the last-mile Public Wi-Fi providers require no license, no registration and will not need to pay any fees to DoT.“
PM-WANI framework will also encourage App Providers who will offer services for registering and authenticating users. It is expected that with Public Wi-Fi Broadband, the user experience and Quality of Service for Broadband will be improved significantly. This service will be specially useful in rural areas where Public Wi-Fi Hotspots are also being created under BharatNet. Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Hotspots will lead to increased employment for small and micro entrepreneurs, and provide them with an additional source of income. The telecom and internet service providers will also benefit due to the sale of bandwidth to PDOs.
PM WANI - Ecosystem
Central Registry
Central Registry will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. It is currently maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)
App Provider
App Provider will develop an Application to register users and discover and display PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi Hotspots in the proximity for accessing the internet service and also authenticate the potential Broadband users.
PDOA
PDOA (Public Data Office Aggregator) will provide aggregation services such as authorization and accounting to PDOs, thereby facilitating PDOs in providing services to the end consumer.
PDO
PDO (Public Data Office) will establish, maintain, and operate PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi Hotspots and provide last-mile connectivity to deliver Broadband services to subscribers by procuring internet bandwidth from telecom service providers and/ or internet service providers.