PRIME MINISTER WI-FI ACCESS NETWORK INTERFACE (PM WANI) SCHEME

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Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposes to reduce broadband costs to make the PM-WANI scheme more viable.

About PM WANI scheme

• The scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in 2020 to make the Internet more accessible and affordable by establishing public Wi-Fi hotspots across India.
• It focuses on creating a network of Public Access Points (PAPs) where people can connect to the Internet at low costs.

PM-WANI Framework

• Public Data Office (PDO): These are local entities like small shops; they set up and manage Wi-Fi hotspots that provide Wi-Fi access to the public.
• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): They are responsible for managing and authorizing PDOs, ensuring they meet requirements and maintain service quality.
• App Provider: The ‘Wi-DOT’ app, helps users to connect PM-WANI hotspots.
• Central Registry: A central database that keeps track of all PDOs, PDOAs, and app providers.
• WANI (Wireless Access Network Interface): This technology enables users to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots that comply with PM-WANI standards.

Challenges

• Economic Viability: The initial high cost of internet connectivity for PDOs posed a significant barrier.
  • • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been charging high, making it financially unviable for small PDOs to participate.
    • Maintaining low costs while ensuring high-quality service is important for the long-term success of the scheme.
• Technical Issues: The current system uses One-Time Password (OTP) for authentication, which can be inconvenient. The plan to replace OTP with Know Your Customer (KYC) will simplify access and enhance user experience.
• Infrastructure: Expanding the number of hotspots and ensuring reliable connectivity across diverse regions requires ongoing investment and technical support.

TRAI's Proposal

• TRAI has proposed to reduce the tariffs for Internet connections provided to PDOs.
  • • Currently, a retail broadband connection might cost between Rs 300-400 per month, PDOs are often billed up to Rs 8 lakh annually for similar bandwidth through leased lines.
    • This high charge makes it financially unfeasible for many PDOs to operate.
• TRAI suggests that PDOs should be charged at rates similar to those for retail broadband connections, to make it more affordable for PDOs to offer public Wi-Fi services.

Way Forward

• Lowering the cost of Internet connectivity for PDOs will likely increase the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots. This can significantly enhance Internet access, especially in underserved and remote areas.
• Reducing the costs makes it easier for small businesses and local shops to participate in the PM Wani program.
• The National Digital Communications Policy 2018, set ambitious targets for the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • • The current number of hotspots—around 207,642—falls short of the goal of 5 million by 2020 and 10 million by December 2025.
    • Lower costs could help achieve these targets more effectively.
• The Bharat 6G Vision aims to have 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030. Achieving this requires significant growth in the number of hotspots, which could be facilitated by reduced connectivity costs.

Complementary Topics
Key Highlights of National Digital Communications Policy 2018	●Universal Broadband: Provide 50 Mbps broadband connectivity to every citizen. ●Gram Panchayat Connectivity: Achieve 1 Gbps connectivity for all Gram Panchayats by 2020, and upgrade to 10 Gbps by 2022. ●Connectivity for All Areas: Ensure that no area is left uncovered in terms of connectivity. ●Investment Attraction: Attract USD 100 billion in investments in the digital communications sector. ●Skill Development: Train one million individuals in new-age skills related to digital communications. ●IoT Expansion: Expand the IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices. ●Data Protection: Establish a comprehensive data protection regime to safeguard privacy and choice.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)	●It is a statutory body established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. ●It ensures that the telecom industry operates fairly and efficiently, benefiting both consumers and service providers. ●In 2000, the TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance to establish the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). This change transferred the adjudicatory and dispute resolution functions from TRAI to TDSAT, allowing TRAI to focus more on regulation and policy-making.

Source:

Financial Express

Businesses Standard

Geeks for Geeks

PIB

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the PM-WANI scheme: 1. The scheme was launched to exclusively improve internet access in urban areas 2. It was designed to ensure that internet access is only provided through government-controlled hotspots. 3. The Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) is responsible for establishing the Wi-Fi hotspots under the PM-WANI scheme. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None   Answer:  D Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: The PM-WANI scheme was launched to enhance internet access in rural and underserved areas, not exclusively in urban areas. Statement 2 is incorrect: The PM-WANI scheme encourages local shops and establishments to provide Wi-Fi hotspots, not just government-controlled ones. Statement 3 is incorrect: The Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) provides authorization and accounting services to Public Data Offices (PDOs), which are responsible for establishing the Wi-Fi hotspots, not PDOAs.