Source: PIB
Context:
- As of November 2025, over 3.9 lakh Wi-Fi hotspots have been deployed across India under PM-WANI, showing rapid nationwide expansion.
- The government updated Parliament on this progress.
Overview
- What it is: A national public Wi-Fi framework aimed at affordable, widespread broadband access through decentralized Wi-Fi hotspots operated by small entrepreneurs.
- Implementing Ministry: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
- Launch: Approved by the Union Cabinet on 9 December 2020.
- Aim:
- Democratize internet access
- Promote digital inclusion
- Support the goals of the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018)
Key Features
- No License Required:
- Small businesses and shops can operate Wi-Fi hotspots without a licence, fee, or formal registration.
- Four-Tier Architecture:
- PDOs (Public Data Office): Provide Wi-Fi access
- PDOAs (Aggregators): Handle authentication and accounting
- App Providers: Enable user access
- Central Registry (C-DoT): Maintains records of all entities
