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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-05-27 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Digital Infrastructure, PM-WANI, Digital India ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-05-27 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Digital Infrastructure, PM-WANI, Digital India ///

News · GS Paper 3

PM-WANI Gets Major Upgrade: Public Wi-Fi Now Simpler, More Accessible

The Department of Telecommunications has introduced citizen-friendly reforms under the PM-WANI framework, making public Wi-Fi simpler and more accessible. The new measures include QR-based authentication for secondary devices, flexible short-duration plans (15, 30, 60 minutes), and standardised hotspot names with PMWANI branding. These reforms aim to strengthen India's digital public infrastructure and support affordable digital connectivity, especially in rural areas.

2026-05-27

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PM-WANI: A Quick Overview

The PM-WANI (Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, launched in 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has received significant upgrades to make public Wi-Fi more accessible and citizen-friendly.

Key Objectives

Strengthen India's digital public infrastructure
Support accessible and affordable digital connectivity for citizens
Expand public Wi-Fi hotspots across India, particularly in rural areas
Support goals of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018

New Reforms Introduced

1. QR-Based Authentication

Users can connect laptops and secondary devices by scanning a QR code on the login page
Authentication is done through an authenticated smartphone app
Makes access faster, easier, and more secure

2. Short-Duration "Sachet-Style" Wi-Fi Plans

Flexible plans of 15, 30, and 60 minutes
Designed for brief internet access at:
Transit hubs
Malls
Public places
Target beneficiaries: Students, commuters, travellers, professionals, and small businesses

3. Standardised Hotspot Names (SSID)

Standardised Service Set Identifier (SSID) names with PMWANI branding
Helps users identify authentic public Wi-Fi networks
Improves reliability and supports wider adoption under Digital India initiative

How PM-WANI Works

Local businesses (like shopkeepers) can set up Wi-Fi hotspots
Provides affordable internet access to communities
Enables last-mile connectivity in underserved areas
Creates a decentralized public Wi-Fi ecosystem

Significance for India

Aspect	Impact
Digital Inclusion	Bridges urban-rural digital divide
Economy	Supports small businesses and professionals
Infrastructure	Strengthens digital public infrastructure
Governance	Enables e-governance accessibility

Constitutional/Policy Context

National Digital Communications Policy, 2018: PM-WANI supports its goals of connectivity for all
Digital India Initiative: Contributes to the broader mission of digital empowerment
Sustainable Development Goals: Aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)

Benefits of the New Upgrades

Convenience: No need for lengthy registration or passwords
Affordability: Pay-as-you-use model for short durations
Security: Authenticated QR codes reduce unauthorized access
Scalability: Local businesses can easily become service providers
Accessibility: Brings internet access to underserved populations