The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework aims to accelerate the proliferation of internet services by setting up public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. This initiative supports the vision of building a Digital India and delivering its associated benefits.
Under the PM-WANI framework, Public Data Offices (PDOs) establish and operate WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots based on their techno-commercial considerations to provide internet services to subscribers. PDOs collaborate with Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to deliver these services effectively.
To ensure equitable access, the Department actively promotes the PM-WANI scheme through various outreach initiatives, including seminars, press briefings, and advertisements. By October 2024, the Department had organized 516 workshops/seminars, 298 press briefings, and 172 advertisements to raise awareness about the scheme.
Additionally, the Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) on August 4, 2023, funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). The program aims to extend optical fiber connectivity to 2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and approximately 3.8 lakh non-GP villages on a demand basis. It also includes provisions to:
- Provide Internet Leased Line (ILL) bandwidth to 7,269 Blocks.
- Ensure a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscribers.
- Facilitate 1.50 crore home fiber connections for rural households, institutions, and enterprises over five years.
As of December 5, 2024, the PM-WANI initiative has recorded 18,19,674 unique users, with a total data consumption of 58.55 petabytes (PB).
