Expansion and Latest Reforms of the PM-WANI Scheme
The Indian government launched the PM-WANI scheme in December 2020 to boost public Wi-Fi access and foster digital inclusion across the country. The initiative, aligned with the National Digital Communications Policy 2018, empowers local entrepreneurs by minimizing regulatory requirements and allowing the setup of Wi-Fi hotspots by Public Data Offices (PDOs) aggregated by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs). As of November 2025, over 391,599 Wi-Fi hotspots have been established. Reforms introduced in September 2024 to the PM-WANI framework allowed PDOs to utilize regular Fiber to the Home (FTTH) connections to cut costs and combine multiple access points for broader coverage. Existing home and business Wi-Fi setups can now integrate into the PM-WANI framework, providing another revenue stream. Moreover, roaming between different PDOAs's hotspots is seamless, and collaboration with telecom providers is encouraged to manage mobile data traffic. In alignment with these measures, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released an order in June 2025 mandating affordable retail broadband plans for PDOs, promoting substantial discounts compared to consumer prices. The ongoing expansion of Wi-Fi hotspots is part of the government's drive toward widespread digital connectivity.
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