PMWANI WiFi and It's benefits
PM-WANI (Public Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) is a revolutionary initiative by the Government of India to provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to all Indians, including those in rural and remote areas. The scheme aims to create a scalable and sustainable model for the delivery of public Wi-Fi services through a collaborative framework between the central government, state governments, local bodies, and private players.
The Need for PM-WANI
India is the second-largest internet market in the world, with over 700 million users. However, internet penetration in India remains low, with only 34% of the population having access to the internet. The digital divide between urban and rural areas is also significant, with only 25% of rural Indians having access to the internet.
The lack of internet connectivity has hindered India's growth and development, particularly in rural areas. It has prevented millions of Indians from accessing essential online services and information, including education, healthcare, and government services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of internet connectivity, with many services shifting online, including education and healthcare.
To address this issue, the Indian government launched the PM-WANI scheme in December 2020. The scheme aims to create a robust and reliable public Wi-Fi infrastructure across the country, enabling all Indians to access affordable and high-speed internet connectivity.
How PM-WANI Works
Under the PM-WANI scheme, the government plans to establish public Wi-Fi hotspots in all villages and cities in India. These hotspots will be operated by a variety of players, including small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and local vendors. The government aims to create a competitive market for public Wi-Fi services, with multiple players competing to provide the best services at affordable prices.
The PM-WANI scheme envisions two types of players - Public Data Office (PDO) and Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA). The PDOs will provide last-mile connectivity to users, while the PDOAs will be responsible for managing and operating multiple PDOs in a particular area.
Any entity can become a PDO, including small shopkeepers, tea stall owners, and individuals. The PDOs will provide Wi-Fi services to the public using their own infrastructure, such as routers and access points. They will purchase internet bandwidth from internet service providers (ISPs) and provide Wi-Fi services to users in their vicinity.
The PDOAs will be responsible for aggregating multiple PDOs in a particular area and managing their operations. They will provide a central authentication and payment gateway for users and ensure that the Wi-Fi services are of high quality and meet the required standards.
Benefits of PM-WANI
The PM-WANI scheme is expected to have a transformative impact on digital access and connectivity in India. It will promote the growth of the digital economy, create jobs, and enable millions of Indians to access essential online services and information. The scheme will also enable the government to realize its vision of a truly digital and connected India.
One of the main benefits of the PM-WANI scheme is that it will provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity to all Indians. The competitive market for public Wi-Fi services will drive down prices, making internet connectivity more accessible to low-income households and individuals. The scheme will also promote digital literacy and awareness, enabling more Indians to access online services and information.
The PM-WANI scheme will also create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Any entity can become a PDO, providing an opportunity for small shopkeepers and entrepreneurs to start their own Wi-Fi business. This will create jobs and promote economic growth, particularly in rural areas.
The scheme will also benefit the government in multiple ways. It will enable the government to deliver essential services and information to citizens more efficiently and effectively. The scheme will also promote transparency and accountability, as citizens will be able to access government services and information
