Why in news?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a set of user‑friendly reforms under the Prime Minister Wi‑Fi Access Network Interface (PM‑WANI) scheme. The changes include QR‑based authentication, short‑duration Wi‑Fi plans and standardised naming conventions for hotspots, and are expected to be rolled out by July 2026 to make public Wi‑Fi more accessible.
Background
PM‑WANI was approved in December 2020 to accelerate broadband penetration through a network of public Wi‑Fi hotspots. Under this framework, any shopkeeper or entrepreneur can register as a Public Data Office (PDO) and offer Wi‑Fi services without needing a licence, while larger entities act as Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide backhaul connectivity. By November 2025 India had more than 3.9 lakh PM‑WANI hotspots.
What are the new reforms?
- QR‑based login: Users will be able to authenticate laptops and secondary devices by scanning a QR code displayed at the hotspot, eliminating the need to repeatedly enter mobile numbers and one‑time passwords.
- Flexible plans: PDOs can offer short‑duration plans (for example 30‑minute packs) alongside longer packages. This will benefit travellers and casual users who need connectivity for brief periods.
- Standard naming: All hotspots will follow a common naming format to make them easily identifiable and reduce confusion. The DoT has issued guidelines for nomenclature.
- Enhanced network management: Earlier reforms allowed PDOs to use regular fibre connections, aggregate multiple access points to one backhaul link, convert home or business Wi‑Fi into public hotspots, enable roaming between PDOAs and offload mobile data. The latest changes build on these innovations to improve user experience.
Importance of PM‑WANI
- Bridging the digital divide: Public Wi‑Fi hotspots provide affordable internet access in rural and semi‑urban areas where fibre or mobile broadband may be scarce.
- Supporting small businesses: PDOs can earn revenue by offering Wi‑Fi services, creating a community‑level telecom ecosystem.
- Reducing mobile data costs: Offloading data from cellular networks onto Wi‑Fi can alleviate network congestion and lower costs for consumers.
Conclusion
The latest reforms signal the government’s commitment to making public Wi‑Fi simpler and more user‑centric. By easing authentication and offering flexible plans, PM‑WANI could dramatically expand internet access, especially for students, travellers and small enterprises.