Introduction of PM-WANI Framework
The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the 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.”
In fact, PDOAs, who will aggregate the last-mile providers will also not require any license. These PDOAs will only have to register, for which no fees will be charged. The registration process will be completed within 7 working days of the receipt of applications.
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 especially 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.
How to access broadband on PM-WANI Wi-Fi?
The potential user who wants to access Broadband through Public Wi-Fi will need to download the relevant App, get authenticated, and thereafter access Broadband at any Public Wi-Fi Hotspot.
When the user reaches a Public Wi-Fi Hotspot, the App on the mobile phone will show various available networks. The user can then choose the Public Wi-Fi network of choice, pay an amount – either online or through voucher – and use the network till the balance is exhausted.
How much range does pm Wani Wi-Fi have?
PM WANI WiFi Kendra Outdoor Wi-Fi Access Point – 100Mtr’s.
PM-WANI ECOSYSTEM
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.
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.
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.
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).
What are the objectives of PM Wani?
The PM WANI scheme, launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to establish shared Wi-Fi networks through Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs).
What is the Wi-Fi scheme in India?
This is the vision of PM-WANI, a groundbreaking initiative by the Government of India to revolutionize public Wi-Fi access in the country. PM-WANI, or Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, is a framework that enables anyone to set up a public Wi-Fi hotspot and provide internet service to customers.
How can I become a PDOA in India?
PDOA needs to perform a simple online registration process at Saral Sanchar Portal (https://saralsanchar.gov.in/), followed by signing up at Central Registry
Any retailer having multiple shops can become a PDOA by converting the shops as PDO’s.
What does the W in the PM Vani scheme critical for India digital public infrastructure stand for?
PM WANI stands for (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface), which is a recent initiative launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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