PM Wani Yojana: Empowering Digital India’s Connectivity

In the pursuit of transforming India into a digitally empowered nation, the Government of India introduced the PM Wani Wifi Yojana. This visionary scheme is poised to revolutionize internet connectivity across the nation, bringing the power of the internet to every nook and corner of the country. In this guide, we delve into PM Wani Yojana, its objectives, implementation and so on.

PM Wani Yojana Overview

The table below consists of information about PM-WANI official website, helpline number and much more. 

Name of the Scheme	PM WANI ( Wi-Fi Access Network Interface)
Launched by	Government of India
Beneficiaries	Indian Citizen
Objective	Providing Wi-Fi facility in public places
PM-WANI official website	https://pmwani.gov.in/wani
PM WANI helpline number	91-80-25119898 (Bengaluru)+91-11-26598700, +91-9971277474 (Delhi)

What is PM Wani Wifi Yojana?

PM WANI, which stands for Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, is a scheme introduced in India with the primary goal of expanding Wi-Fi access across the country. This initiative is designed to facilitate the widespread availability of Wi-Fi networks, particularly in public spaces and rural areas. The scheme aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Increasing Internet Accessibility: PM WANI aims to make the internet more accessible to a larger portion of the population. By establishing a network of public Wi-Fi hotspots, people in urban and rural areas can connect to the internet more easily, bridging the digital divide.

• Boosting Broadband Adoption: One of the key benefits of PM WANI is its potential to accelerate the adoption of broadband internet services. With widespread Wi-Fi access, individuals and businesses can enjoy faster and more reliable internet connections, promoting the use of data-intensive applications and services.

• TRAI Recommendation: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended the concept of PM WANI in 2017. TRAI is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing telecommunications and broadcasting services in India. Their recommendation laid the foundation for the scheme’s development and implementation.

• Public and Private Participation: PM WANI encourages both public and private sector participation. It allows small entrepreneurs and local businesses to set up and operate public Wi-Fi hotspots, creating employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship.

• Ease of Access: Under PM WANI, users can easily discover and connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks through a mobile app. This makes it convenient for individuals to access the internet without needing to use cellular data, reducing data costs for consumers.

• Competition and Innovation: By opening up the market for public Wi-Fi services, PM WANI fosters competition and innovation. Various service providers can offer Wi-Fi services, leading to competitive pricing and improved service quality.

• Secure and Reliable: The scheme emphasizes security and reliability. Service providers are required to adhere to security standards to protect users’ data and ensure the stability of the network.

PM WANI is a government initiative in India aimed at expanding Wi-Fi access to promote internet adoption, particularly in underserved areas. It is based on a recommendation by TRAI and encourages public and private participation while focusing on security, competition, and ease of access to enhance the overall internet experience for citizens.

Implementation of PM Wani Wifi Scheme

The WANI framework consists of several key components, each playing a specific role in facilitating the implementation of this scheme:

• Public Data Office (PDO): The PDO is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and operating Wi-Fi Access Points that comply with the WANI standards. These Wi-Fi Access Points provide broadband services to subscribers, allowing users to connect to the internet through WANI-compliant hotspots.

• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): The PDOA serves as an aggregator of Public Data Offices (PDOs). Its primary functions include handling authorization and accounting processes related to the WANI network. Essentially, the PDOA manages the interactions between the PDOs and the broader WANI framework.

• App Provider: App Providers play a crucial role in the WANI ecosystem. They develop mobile applications that allow users to register for the service and discover nearby WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots. These apps display the available hotspots within the app, making it easy for users to locate and access internet services.

• Central Registry: The Central Registry is a central database that maintains essential information about the various stakeholders within the WANI framework. It includes details about App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. Initially, the Central Registry is managed by C-DoT, which is likely a government agency responsible for overseeing and coordinating aspects of the WANI scheme.

The WANI framework involves the collaboration of these components to create a network of compliant Wi-Fi hotspots that offer broadband services to users. The PDOs provide the actual Wi-Fi access points, while the PDOA manages the authorization and accounting aspects. App Providers develop applications to help users find and connect to these Wi-Fi hotspots, and the Central Registry maintains crucial information about the participants in the WANI ecosystem.

How to apply under PM WANI Yojana Online?

Let’s elaborate on the steps a user needs to follow to access the internet through the PM WANI framework:

1. Download and Install PM-WANI App:

Initially, the user needs to download the PM-WANI App from the respective app store (e.g., Google Play Store or Apple App Store). After downloading, the user should install the app on their mobile device.

2. Create a Profile and Register:

Once the app is installed, the user should open it and create their profile within the app. To register, the user will need to verify their mobile number by receiving a One Time Password (OTP) from the App Provider.

3. Open the App:

To access the internet service, the user must open the PM WANI App in which they have registered.

4. Discover Nearby WANI-Compliant Wi-Fi Access Points:

The app will automatically scan and discover WANI-compliant Wi-Fi Access Points in the user’s vicinity. The detected hotspots will be displayed within the app, providing the user with a list of available options.

5. Choose a Wi-Fi Access Point:

The user can select one of the listed Wi-Fi Access Points to connect to the internet.

6. Request Authorization from Captive Portal (PDOA):

The chosen Wi-Fi Access Point will send a request for authorization to the Captive Portal, which is managed by the Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA).

7. User Authentication with App Backend:

The Captive Portal initiates user authentication by communicating with the backend infrastructure of the App Provider.

The app will pass a token to the backend infrastructure for authentication purposes.

8. Return of Signed User Profile Token:

The App Provider’s backend infrastructure verifies the user’s identity and returns a signed user profile token to the PDOA.

9. Data Pack Selection (For New Customers):

If the user is a new customer of the PDOA, the PDOA will present available data packs with tariff plans to the user.nThe user can select their desired data pack based on their usage preferences.

10. Payment Process:

After selecting a data pack, the PDOA will initiate a payment request through its payment gateway. The user is required to complete the payment process securely.

11. User Registration and Activation:

Upon successful payment receipt, the PDOA will register the user as its subscriber.

The chosen data pack will be activated, allowing the user to connect to the internet session.

12. Access Internet:

With the registration and data pack activation complete, the user can now access the internet through the chosen Wi-Fi Access Point and begin using online services and applications.

This step-by-step process outlines how users can access internet services through the PM WANI framework, ensuring a secure and user-friendly experience.

Conclusion

PM Wani Yojana is a groundbreaking initiative that holds the potential to transform the digital landscape of India. By promoting affordable and accessible internet connectivity, it paves the way for a more inclusive and digitally empowered nation. As the scheme continues to roll out and reach every corner of the country, it is poised to make India a global leader in digital connectivity.

This comprehensive guide to PM Wani Wifi Yojana serves as an informative resource for individuals seeking to understand the scheme’s intricacies and its potential impact on the digital future of India.