PM WANI Wi-Fi Scheme, Plan & Price | Get Free Wi-FI Wherever You Go With PM-WANI

The PM Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, or PM-WANI scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to revolutionise connectivity and internet accessibility for millions across India. This is due to the proliferation of low-cost public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Let us understand the objectives, features like the PM Wani recharge plan, and implementation plans for this ambitious public digital infrastructure initiative named PM WANI Yojana.

The Need For Easy Access To Wi-Fi In The Digital India Era

Though India is the world’s second-largest telecom market, internet penetration remains at less than 50%, constrained by affordability barriers and network access challenges beyond urban pockets. The PM-WANI WIFI plan seeks to address this ‘digital divide’ by enabling widespread and economical Wi-Fi availability by leveraging the services of public data offices (PDOs), public data office aggregators (PDOAs), and app providers.

Unbundling Wi-Fi to drive mass adoption by bridging connectivity gaps for underserved demographics, including rural communities, business clusters, social segments, etc., is the key motivation behind PM-WANI WIFI Yojana. By facilitating public-private collaboration for 10 million Wi-Fi hotspots as envisaged, it aims to achieve the Digital India goal of inclusive internet proliferation, just as PCOs earlier bridged telephony gaps.

Implementation Roadmap For PM-WANI WIFI Rollout

The PM WANI free wifi scheme guidelines provide flexible options to PDOs around backhaul connectivity via broadband, wireless mediums, or even TSPs based on availability, reliability, and techno-commercial considerations. The sourcing of spectrum needed for providing Wi-Fi services is to be based on authorizations from the Wireless Planning Commission or DoT-approved TRPs.

Ease of user onboarding through paperless e-KYC using Aadhar or mobile number verification coupled with interoperability across hotspots through WANI-compliant CACs will enhance adoption. The DoT plans extensive outreach programmes to encourage wider participation by public agencies to expand hotspot density.

The commercial considerations for PDOs around Capex, Opex, RoI, and pricing models factoring in authentication costs, backhaul charges, spectrum, etc. will determine sustainability. Revenue-sharing arrangements between PDOs, PDOAs, and App eco-system partners are activities left open currently through mutual agreements.

Conclusion

The PM-WANI plan has the potential to achieve Digital India's goals of ubiquitous and economical internet connectivity, just like PCOs did for telephone access. Unfettered Wi-Fi accessibility can transform governance and commerce and empower citizens across education, skills, and entrepreneurship. Delivering on this promise will cement the scheme’s legacy as a digital public good.

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