PM-WANI : Expanding India’s Public Wi-Fi Ecosystem
Context
The government has informed Parliament that the PM-WANI network has expanded to over 3.9 lakh public Wi-Fi hotspots across India as of November 2025, indicating rapid progress in accessible digital connectivity.
ABOUT PM-WANI SCHEME
What it is
PM-WANI is a national public Wi-Fi framework enabling small entrepreneurs to provide affordable broadband through decentralized Wi-Fi hotspots. It is implemented by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications and was approved on 9 December 2020.
AIM
Democratizing Internet Access
The scheme seeks to expand low-cost broadband, promote digital inclusion, and support the objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy 2018.
KEY FEATURES
No Licence Required
Small shops and local businesses can operate Wi-Fi hotspots without licences or fees, enabling low-cost broadband expansion.
Four-Tier Architecture
The network operates through PDOs, PDOAs, App Providers, and a Central Registry (C-DoT) responsible for maintaining records and authentication.
FTTH Support
PDOs can use regular fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband connections, reducing operational costs and improving viability.
Roaming Between PDOAs
Users experience seamless connectivity across hotspots of different PDOAs, similar to mobile network roaming.
Mobile Data Offload
PDOs may partner with telecom operators to divert mobile data traffic onto Wi-Fi, improving efficiency and reducing network congestion.
User-Based Promotions with Consent
Promotional content can be sent only with explicit user consent, ensuring privacy protection.
Affordable Bandwidth Regulation
TRAI mandates that fibre plans up to 200 Mbps must be sold to PDOs at not more than twice the consumer tariff, ensuring affordable public Wi-Fi.
SIGNIFICANCE
Digital Inclusion
The scheme helps bridge the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved regions.
Local Entrepreneurship
It enables the growth of micro Wi-Fi operators, generating local livelihood opportunities.
Strengthening Digital Services
It enhances access to digital payments, online education, telemedicine, and e-governance, widening the reach of essential services.
CONCLUSION
PM-WANI is a key driver of affordable and widespread broadband access, supporting India’s digital transformation and promoting inclusive growth.
Source : PIB