Context: Cabinet approves setting up of public WiFi networks
PM-WANI will enable public data offices as hotspots, which could even be kirana and tea shops.
It is aimed at helping accelerate the uptake of broadband Internet services, will not require the PDOs to get a license or pay a fee.
It was first recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in 2017.
It will involve multiple players, including PDOs, Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOA), app providers, and a central registry.
PDOs, comparable to a PCO or a cybercafe — will establish, maintain, and operate Wi-Fi access points and deliver broadband services to subscribers, while the PDOAs will be aggregators of PDOs and perform functions such as authorisation and accounting.
The app provider will develop the app to register users and discover PM-WANI compliant WiFi hotspots nearby.
According to TRAI, in most major economies, for 50%-70 % of their total usage time, mobile users use WiFi technology to communicate.
However, in India, this figure is less than 10%.
Service providers had in 2018 stated that they aimed to provide 5 lakh hotspots by March 31, 2019 and 10 lakh hotspots by September 30, 2019. However, these targets have not been achieved.
Significance:
This move will help unleash a Wi-Fi revolution in the country.
For PDOs, there will be no license or fee or registration.
It is going to be a power transformative digital platform to empower ordinary Indians by offering a lot of scope for various sectors, particularly education.