The Government of India is investing in digital infrastructure to realize the vision of a Digital India. One of these initiatives is the Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI), a scheme aimed at expanding the reach of internet connectivity across the nation.
Introduction to PM-WANI
PM-WANI is a framework designed to promote the proliferation of public Wi-Fi networks throughout India. Announced by the Ministry of Communications in December 2020, the initiative aims to democratize information by making internet access widely available, thereby fostering inclusivity and driving economic growth.
PM-WANI Ecosystem
The PM-WANI ecosystem comprises four key elements:
- Public Data Office (PDO): These are the establishments (like tea shops, kirana stores, etc.) that deliver Wi-Fi services to subscribers. They are akin to PCOs that existed in the past, which provided public telecommunication services.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): These are the entities responsible for aggregating the services provided by PDOs and ensuring that they comply with the terms and conditions of their registration.
- App Provider: This refers to the company or entity that develops and provides the application used for registering and authenticating users on the network. This application must also display available PDOs to potential subscribers.
- Central Registry: Maintained by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Central Registry records the details of PDOAs, app providers, and PDOs.
Working of PM-WANI
The operation of the PM-WANI scheme is straightforward and user-friendly:
- A user downloads the app provided by an approved App Provider.
- The user registers on the app using their mobile number and authenticates themselves via OTP.
- After successful registration, the user can view all the available Wi-Fi hotspots (PDOs) in their area.
- The user connects to a PDO of their choice and starts using the internet.
Impact of PM-WANI
The PM-WANI initiative has the potential to significantly impact India’s digital landscape:
- Increased Internet Penetration: By making Wi-Fi available in every corner of the country, PM-WANI can help increase internet penetration, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Boost to Local Economy: By turning small businesses into PDOs, the scheme can provide them with an additional source of income, boosting the local economy.
- Improved Digital Literacy: Access to the internet can improve digital literacy, providing more people with the skills needed for the digital age.
- Digital Empowerment: With internet access, citizens will have more opportunities to access digital services and resources, leading to digital empowerment.
Conclusion
The PM-WANI initiative is a significant step toward achieving universal internet access in India. By leveraging existing businesses and infrastructure, it aims to create a robust and scalable public Wi-Fi network that can cater to the country’s growing digital needs. The impact of this initiative could be transformative, bringing the power of the internet to even the most remote corners of the country.