News

PM-WANI: Govt approves Public Wi-Fi Service Scheme without any License Fee through PDO

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given 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. There shall be no license fee for providing Broadband Internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.

The proposal will promote the growth of Public Wi-Fi Networks in the country and, in turn, will help in the proliferation of Broadband Internet, enhancement of income and employment and empowerment of people.

Salient Features:

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.

While no registration would be required for PDOs, PDOAs and App Providers will get themselves registered with DoT through online registration portal (SARALSANCHAR; https://saralsanchar.gov.in) of DoT, without paying any registration fee. Registration shall be granted within 7 days of the application.

This is expected to be more business-friendly and in line with efforts for ease of doing business. COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated delivery of stable and high-speed Broadband Internet (data) services to an increasingly large number of subscribers in the country including areas which do not have 4G mobile coverage. This can be achieved by deployment of Public Wi-Fi.

Further, the proliferation of public Wi-Fi will not only create employment but also enhance disposable incomes in the hands of small and medium entrepreneurs and boost the GDP of the country.

Proliferation of Broadband Services through public Wi-Fi is a step towards digital India and consequential benefit thereon.

No License Fee for providing broadband internet services using public Wi-Fi Hotspots will massively encourage its proliferation and penetration across the length and breadth of the country. Availability and use of Broadband will enhance incomes, employment, quality of life, ease of doing business etc. The registration process and implementation will start soon

Source: – PIB

Recent Posts

Mahindra Unveils BE 6e and XEV 9e Electric SUVs Starting at ₹18.90 Lakh

Mahindra has revolutionized the electric vehicle (EV) landscape with the launch of its flagship electric…

3 weeks ago

Honda Launches ACTIVA e: and QC1 in India: Range unto 102kms and Price to be decided

nda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) segment with…

3 weeks ago

Socage’s Aerial Work Platforms: The Ultimate Solution for Elevated Work

When it comes to performing work at elevated heights, safety and efficiency are paramount. That's…

4 weeks ago

Synology Solution Day 2024 Welcomes Over 600 IT Professionals to Explore the Future of Data Management and Security

Synology Solution Day 2024 wrapped up successfully, drawing over 600 IT professionals who gathered at…

1 month ago

Exploring Socage’s Spider Lift Platforms

When it comes to accessing hard-to-reach areas for construction or maintenance purposes, spider lifts are…

2 months ago

CBSE Cracks Down on Dummy Schools with Surprise Inspections

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) took strong action today to address the issue…

3 months ago