PM WANI Yojana and India’s Broadband Vision
Pm Wani Yojana: Access to affordable internet has become an essential public good in India’s digital era. In a significant policy move, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has set a fee limit for Public Data Offices (PDOs) operating under the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme.
This aims to ensure affordable and sustainable broadband services, bridging the digital divide between rural and urban India.
1. Understanding PM-WANI: Expanding Public Wi-Fi Ecosystem
Background
Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the PM-WANI Scheme focuses on expanding broadband accessibility through public Wi-Fi hotspots, particularly in underserved and rural regions.
Its goal is to democratize internet access and support the objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy (2018).
Key Components of the PM-WANI Ecosystem
| Stakeholder | Role |
|---|---|
| Public Data Office (PDO) | Establishes Wi-Fi hotspots and provides services to users |
| Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) | Handles authentication and accounting across PDOs |
| App Provider | Develops and manages the mobile application displaying nearby hotspots |
| Central Registry (managed by C-DOT) | Maintains the database of PDOs, PDOAs, and app providers |
Unique Features
- No license or registration fees for PDOs → boosts local entrepreneurship.
- Uses local infrastructure (shops, cafes, kiosks) to provide last-mile connectivity.
- Promotes ease of access via a PM-WANI app for hotspot discovery and digital payments.
2. TRAI’s Regulatory Step: Affordable Broadband Access
TRAI’s new directive mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) can charge PDOs no more than twice their retail tariff for broadband plans up to 200 Mbps.
This ensures:
- Public Wi-Fi remains affordable and sustainable.
- Service providers receive fair compensation.
- The PM-WANI ecosystem scales equitably across India.
Such a balanced model aims to foster competition, prevent exploitation, and encourage local entrepreneurship in the connectivity sector.
3. Broader Government Initiatives for Broadband Connectivity
National Broadband Mission (NBM)
- NBM 1.0 (2019–2022): Targeted universal broadband access to all villages, upgrading telecom towers with optical fiber.
- NBM 2.0 (2025–2030): Builds upon NBM 1.0 to accelerate India’s digital transformation and enhance global competitiveness.
Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal (2022)
Streamlines approval for laying Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and telecom infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic delays.
BharatNet Programme (Revised 2023)
- Connects 2.64 lakh Gram Panchayats through Optical Fiber Ring Topology.
- Focuses on remote regions, including LWE areas, islands, and border villages.
Submarine OFC Projects
Enhanced high-speed connectivity between Chennai–Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Kochi–Lakshadweep, expanding digital reach in coastal and island territories.
4. About TRAI: The Regulator of India’s Telecom Sector
- Established: 1997 under the TRAI Act, 1997
- Structure: 1 Chairperson, ≤2 full-time members, ≤2 part-time members
- Functions:
- Regulate tariffs and service quality
- Promote transparency, efficiency, and consumer protection
- Advise the government on telecom and broadcasting policy
- Encourage fair competition and regional growth
Judicial Separation
In 2000, amendments created the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), separating TRAI’s regulatory and adjudicatory roles.
5. Significance and Impact
- Enhances digital inclusion and reduces the urban-rural digital divide.
- Stimulates employment and micro-entrepreneurship in the informal sector.
- Supports education, healthcare, and e-governance through improved connectivity.
- Contributes to GDP growth via expanded digital services.
This initiative complements Digital India’s vision of empowering every citizen through affordable and accessible digital infrastructure.
TRAI’s intervention in regulating fees for PDOs under the PM-WANI framework represents a progressive step toward universal digital access.
Combined with broader missions such as NBM 2.0, BharatNet, and Gati Shakti, it reinforces India’s commitment to building an inclusive, affordable, and innovation-driven digital economy.
For aspirants, PM-WANI reflects India’s journey from digital policy to on-ground connectivity — a topic of high relevance for UPSC and State PSC examinations.
MCQs
PM-WANI | MCQ Practice Set
Topic: TRAI, PM-WANI, NBM 2.0, PDO/PDOA, TDSAT • Level: UPSC/State PSC
1) When was the PM-WANI scheme launched?
- A 2018
- B 2019
- C 2020
- D 2021
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2) Which organization manages the Central Registry for PM-WANI?
- A NIC
- B NITI Aayog
- C C-DOT
- D BSNL
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3) TRAI’s new rule limits ISP charges for PDOs to:
- A Three times retail tariff
- B Two times
- C Half
- D None
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4) The PM-WANI scheme aims to:
- A Provide free electricity
- B Expand Wi-Fi hotspots
- C Promote 5G spectrum
- D Build satellites
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5) NBM 2.0 focuses on:
- A Solar Energy
- B Digital Infrastructure
- C River Connectivity
- D Smart Agriculture
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6) Which body regulates telecom tariffs in India?
- A DOT
- B TRAI
- C CAG
- D NITI Aayog
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7) What is the function of PDOA?
- A Manufacturing routers
- B Aggregating PDOs and handling authentication
- C Tax regulation
- D Importing fiber cables
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8) When was TRAI established?
- A 1995
- B 1997
- C 2000
- D 2005
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9) Which tribunal handles telecom disputes?
- A NGT
- B SAT
- C TDSAT
- D CAT
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10) What is a major benefit of PM-WANI?
- A Urban employment only
- B Affordable public Wi-Fi access
- C High import duties
- D None