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PM WANI
Context:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposed reduction in broadband connection rates charged by telcos and Internet service providers (ISPs) from public data offices (PDOs) under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) programme.
More on news
- The proposal by TRAI in the draft telecommunication tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024, seeks to revive the PM Wani programme.
- However, the project did not meet expectations due to the prohibitively high cost of connectivity through Internet leased lines charged by TSPs and ISPs from PDOs.
About PM WANI
- It is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India in December 2020.
- Its primary goal is to enhance internet accessibility across the country, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by establishing a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Objectives and Features:
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- Democratising Internet Access: PM-WANI aims to provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to all citizens, thereby bridging the digital divide in India.
- The initiative is part of the broader National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, which seeks to create a robust digital infrastructure.
- Public Data Offices (PDOs): The scheme allows individuals and small entrepreneurs to set up Public Data Offices (PDOs) that will operate Wi-Fi hotspots.
- These PDOs can be established in various public spaces such as railway stations, banks, and shops, enabling easy access to internet services without the need for a SIM card.
- Ecosystem Components: The PM-WANI framework consists of four key components:
- Public Data Offices (PDOs): Entities that establish and maintain Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs): Organisations that provide authorization and accounting services to PDOs.
- App Providers: Applications that help users locate and connect to nearby PM-WANI hotspots.
- Central Registry: Maintained by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), this registry keeps track of PDOs, PDOAs, and app providers.
- No Licensing Fees: One of the significant advantages of the PM-WANI scheme is that it eliminates the need for licensing fees for PDOs, encouraging more entrepreneurs to participate in providing internet services.
- Current Status: As of late 2022, the PM-WANI scheme reported substantial growth, with over 1.1 million public Wi-Fi hotspots established across the country.
- Democratising Internet Access: PM-WANI aims to provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to all citizens, thereby bridging the digital divide in India.
