PM-WANI: Cabinet approves setting up of public WiFi networks
The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval for the proposal of DoT for setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide public Wi-Fi service through Public Data Offices (PDOs) spread across length and breadth of the country to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi network in the country.
What is PM-WANI?
PM-WANI is a central government’s scheme which aims to provide internet connectivity through Public Data Offices (PDOs). The scheme aims to not only boost the “ease of doing” business but also will do the “ease of living.
Objective of the PM-WANI?
The main objective of the PM-WANI scheme is to increase internet connectivity across the country by implementing a decentralised system of public access points.
Salient Features of PM-WANI
This Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface will be known as PM-WANI.PM-WANI eco-system will be operated by different players as described herein under:
- Public Data Office (PDO): It will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.
- App Provider: It will develop an App to register users and discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet service.
- Central Registry: It will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. To begin with, the Central Registry will be maintained by C-DoT.
Significance of PM-WANI
The revolutionary scheme PM-WANI contains a lot of significance in Revolutionise the way India accesses the internet. The scheme is being necessary due to
- Create value for the consumer.
- Quickly reach countrymen in the remotest areas.
- India’s tele-density of landlines never exceeded 7 per 100 people but due to mobile it exceeded to 90 per 100 people.
- India grew from 302 million internet subscribers to 750 million.
- India is one of the fastest growing internet markets in the world.
- To deliver a resilient and reliable connection to every Indian and reliable access everywhere.
- Despite excellent advances in 4G technology, wired connections still offer superior quality, reliability and throughput.