affordable internet

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 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: 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) Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal (2022) Streamlines approval for laying Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and telecom infrastructure, reducing bureaucratic delays. BharatNet Programme (Revised 2023) 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 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 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 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 Show Answer ✅ Answer: (C) 2020 Explanation: The scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in December 2020. 2) Which organization manages the Central Registry for PM-WANI? A NIC B NITI Aayog C C-DOT D BSNL Show Answer ✅ Answer: (C) C-DOT Explanation: C-DOT maintains the registry of PDOs, PDOAs, and app providers in the PM-WANI ecosystem. 3) TRAI’s new rule limits ISP charges for PDOs to: A Three times retail tariff B Two times C Half D None Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) Two times Explanation: For plans up to 200 Mbps, ISPs/TSPs can charge at most twice their retail tariff to PDOs. 4) The PM-WANI scheme aims to: A Provide free electricity B Expand Wi-Fi hotspots C Promote 5G spectrum D Build satellites Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) Expand Wi-Fi hotspots Explanation: PM-WANI expands affordable public Wi-Fi through PDO-led hotspots. 5) NBM 2.0 focuses on: A Solar Energy B Digital Infrastructure C River Connectivity D Smart Agriculture Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) Digital Infrastructure Explanation: National Broadband Mission 2.0 accelerates India’s digital transformation and infrastructure. 6) Which body regulates telecom tariffs in India? A DOT B TRAI C CAG D NITI Aayog Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) TRAI Explanation: TRAI oversees tariffs, service quality, and consumer protection in telecom. 7) What is the function of PDOA? A Manufacturing routers B Aggregating PDOs and handling authentication C Tax regulation D Importing fiber cables Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) Aggregating PDOs and handling authentication Explanation: PDOA provides authentication/accounting and consolidates multiple PDOs. 8) When was TRAI established? A 1995 B 1997 C 2000 D 2005 Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) 1997 Explanation: TRAI was set up under the TRAI Act, 1997. 9) Which tribunal handles telecom disputes? A NGT B SAT C TDSAT D CAT Show Answer ✅ Answer: (C) TDSAT Explanation: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal was formed in 2000. 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 Show Answer ✅ Answer: (B) Affordable public Wi-Fi access Explanation: PM-WANI expands low-cost public Wi-Fi via PDOs, aiding digital inclusion.