The Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI)

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PM-WANI: A Potential Game-Changer for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure

Understanding PM-WANI

Launched by the Department of Telecom in December 2020, PM-WANI enables public Wi-Fi data service through small retail data offices.
It aims to establish a robust digital communication infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
The scheme enables any entity to set up a public Wi-Fi hotspot and provide internet service.

Comprises of four elements: Public Data Office (PDO), Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA), App Provider, and Central Registry.
As of November 2022, PM-WANI central registry reported the existence of 188 PDO aggregators, 109 app providers, and 11,50,394 public WiFi hotspots.

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Ensuring Wi-Fi quality and user experience.
Addressing security threats like data leakage, hacking, and malware.
Challenges for mobile telecom companies due to PM-WANI’s affordability and accessibility.
Expanding and maintaining PM-WANI in rural and remote areas with low internet demand and high operational costs.

Can democratize internet access and bridge the digital divide.
Leverages existing physical and social infrastructure to create a distributed network of Wi-Fi hotspots.

DPI refers to digital platforms like digital identification, payment infrastructure, and data exchange solutions.
DPIs facilitate the flow of people, money, and information.
Three DPIs are: Digital ID System, Real-time Fast Payment System, and consent-based data-sharing system.
DPI operates under open, transparent, and participatory governance.
India, through India Stack, developed all three foundational DPIs: Digital identity (Aadhar), Real-time fast payment (UPI), and Account Aggregator.
DPI comprises market, governance, and technology standards.
Benefits include reduced development costs, modular end-user solutions, diverse applications, lower entry barriers, and a democratic, non-monopolistic system.
Successful DPI initiatives include Aadhaar, UPI, CoWin, Unified Health Interface (UHI), Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), and Open Network for Digital Commerce.