PM Wani Scheme

PM Wani Scheme

News: An article was covered recently on the scheme in Indian Express.

What is PM Wani Scheme?
• PM WANI scheme is a plan of action by the Indian government to provide broadband access through public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.
• The scheme aims to improve wireless internet connectivity, promote ease of doing business, and support digital inclusion.
• The scheme has four components - Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
• PDOs are the entities that establish, maintain, and operate Wi-Fi hotspots and provide internet service to users. PDOAs are the entities that aggregate the services of PDOs and handle authorization and accounting.

Significance:
• The scheme does not require any license, registration, or fee for the PDOs and PDOAs, making it easier for small businesses and local shops to become Wi-Fi providers. The users can download the relevant app, authenticate themselves, and pay online or through vouchers to access the internet service at any Wi-Fi hotspot.
• PM-WANI allows the last-mile distribution of broadband through Public Data Offices (PDOs) offering sachet-sized packages of internet for as low as Rs 5 to Rs 10.
• PM WANI scheme is expected to boost the availability and affordability of high-speed internet in India, especially in areas where 4G mobile coverage is not adequate.
• The scheme also aligns with the vision of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, which aims to create a robust digital communications infrastructure in the country.