Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme

18.01.2025

Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme

Why in the news?                        

            The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended capping Internet tariffs for Wi-Fi service providers under the PM-WANI scheme at twice the rate for retail broadband.

About PM-WANI Scheme:

• It was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in 2020.
• It aims to enhance the proliferation of public WiFi hotspots to create robust digital communications infrastructure in the country, especially in rural areas.
• Through better access to public hotspots, the government aims to increase employment for small and micro-entrepreneurs and provide low-cost internet to the underserved urban poor and rural households.
• The scheme encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery, which does not require a licence or charge a registration fee.

How can one get access to the PM-WANI internet?

• To access public hotspots under the PM-WANI scheme, one needs to download a relevant app which shows the available networks.
• The user can then choose from a list of available connections and make a payment to use the network.
• The user can access the network till his/her balance is exhausted.

PM-WANI Ecosystem Components:

• Public Data Office (PDO): Sets up Wi-Fi hotspots and provides internet access. No license is required from DoT.
• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Offers authorization, accounting services, and user interfaces for purchasing data plans and monitoring usage.
• App Provider: Develops applications to help users locate and connect to nearby PM-WANI hotspots, facilitating easy internet access.
• Central Registry: Managed by the Centre for Development of Telematics, maintaining records of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.

                                                                Source: The Print

Consider the following statements regarding Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme:

Statement-I:The primary objective is to provide free internet access to all citizens.

Statement-II:It encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer D