PM-WANI: Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface

PM-WANI: Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface

The Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework is gaining attention for its role in enhancing internet accessibility across India. With 246,993 hotspots installed as of November 2024, the initiative has become a crucial part of India’s Digital India mission, aimed at providing widespread and affordable internet access, especially in rural and underserved areas.

What is PM-WANI?

• Launch and Purpose:
  The PM-WANI framework was launched in 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to expand public Wi-Fi hotspots across India. The focus is on increasing internet access in rural areas, where connectivity is often limited.

• Key Objective:
  PM-WANI seeks to enable local businesses (such as shopkeepers, small enterprises) to set up Wi-Fi hotspots, which will allow them to provide affordable internet to customers. The initiative supports the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018's goals of digital inclusion and affordable broadband access.

• Key Features:

  • The framework allows local businesses to act as Wi-Fi providers without needing licenses or incurring fees, promoting ease of doing business.

  • It enhances internet access, fosters digital inclusion, and drives innovation by enabling communities to access the internet affordably.

PM-WANI Ecosystem

1. Public Data Office (PDO):

   • PDOs are responsible for establishing, maintaining, and operating PM-WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots.

   • They provide last-mile connectivity by procuring internet bandwidth from telecom or internet service providers (ISPs) and delivering broadband services to subscribers.

2. Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):

   • PDOAs provide aggregation services such as authentication, authorization, and accounting to PDOs, facilitating their ability to deliver services to consumers.

3. App Provider:

   • App Providers develop an application that allows users to find nearby PM-WANI hotspots, register them, and authenticate them for internet access.

4. Central Registry:

   • Managed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), the Central Registry maintains details of PDOs, PDOAs, and App Providers to ensure transparency and system integrity.

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)

• C-DoT is an autonomous Telecom R&D (Research and Development) center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), established in 1984.

• C-DoT is responsible for developing new telecommunication technologies and has been instrumental in advancing the PM-WANI framework.

National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP), 2018

The NDCP, 2018 aims to transform India into a digitally empowered economy by enhancing digital infrastructure and services.

Key Goals:

• Universal Broadband Access: Ensuring internet access for all citizens.

• Job Creation: Creating four million jobs in the sector.

• GDP Contribution: Increasing the Digital Communications sector's GDP contribution to 8%.

• Digital Sovereignty: Ensuring secure and accountable digital communications.

Key Features:

• Providing 50 Mbps broadband for every citizen.

• Ensuring connectivity in uncovered areas.

• Attracting USD 100 billion in investments.

• Training one million individuals in New Age Skills, such as data science, AI, and IoT.

• Expanding the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.

• Strengthening data protection and ensuring accountability in digital communications.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Targets:

• The NDCP, 2018 set a target of deploying 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022, but India only achieved 0.5 million hotspots by the deadline.

• The Bharat 6G Vision aims to target 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030, which will require substantial growth in infrastructure and reduced connectivity costs.

Significance of PM-WANI

1. Digital Inclusion:

   • PM-WANI plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the digital divide between urban and rural areas is bridged by providing easy access to the internet in remote areas.

2. Promoting Digital Economy:

   • By enabling small businesses to act as Wi-Fi providers, PM-WANI helps in creating a digital economy at the grassroots level, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in underserved areas.

3. Fostering Innovation:

   • The scheme helps promote technological innovation by ensuring that a larger portion of the population has access to affordable internet, which is essential for digital learning, e-commerce, and start-up culture.

4. Supporting the Digital India Mission:

   • As part of the broader Digital India mission, PM-WANI aligns with the government's goal to transform India into a knowledge-based society, where access to information and services is widespread and equitable.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Target Achievement:
  The ambitious targets set under NDCP, 2018 for Wi-Fi hotspots have not been met, highlighting challenges in infrastructure development and the need for reduced costs and more aggressive rollout strategies.

• Future of Public Wi-Fi:
  The Bharat 6G Vision envisions significant growth in the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots. To meet this goal, collaboration between the government, private sector, and local businesses is essential to overcome connectivity challenges, ensure affordable internet services, and build stronger digital infrastructure across India.

Conclusion

PM-WANI is a crucial initiative aimed at expanding internet access, promoting digital inclusion, and driving economic growth in rural and underserved areas. While India has missed its initial Wi-Fi rollout target, the framework remains integral to the government’s broader efforts to provide affordable and reliable internet for all. The success of this initiative will depend on meeting future challenges and achieving ambitious connectivity goals in the coming years.