PM-WANI Public Wi-Fi: DoT’s QR Login, Sachet Plans, Safer SSIDs
Why in the news
The Department of Telecommunications brought in citizen-friendly changes to PM-WANI so that public Wi-Fi becomes simpler, safer and easier to use.
Key facts
- Cleared by the Union Cabinet: 9 December 2020.
- Nodal department: DoT, Ministry of Communications.
- Nature: a distributed Digital Public Infrastructure that widens broadband through unlicensed, low-cost public Wi-Fi.
- Central Registry is run by C-DoT.
- PDOs need no licence, registration or fee to DoT; PDOAs need only free registration done within 7 working days.
- One-time app registration opens any PM-WANI hotspot in India.
| Building block | Role |
|---|---|
| Public Data Office (PDO) | Last-mile node that buys bandwidth from TSPs or ISPs and runs the hotspot |
| Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) | Back-end layer for authorisation, security, accounting and management of several PDOs |
| App Provider | Develops the app users rely on to sign up, log in and find hotspots |
| Central Registry | Single directory listing every certified PDO, PDOA and app provider; keeps the system interoperable |
2026 upgrades
- QR-code login: a laptop can be linked by scanning a changing QR code from an already authenticated phone.
- Sachet-style plans: cheap 15-, 30- and 60-minute passes suited to stations, bazaars and casual users.
- Standard SSIDs: network names must carry PM-WANI branding so users can steer clear of fake or harmful hotspots.
Background
- DPI means open, interoperable digital systems used as shared platforms; examples listed include Aadhaar, UPI, Account Aggregator, DigiLocker, ONDC, AgriStack, Bhashini and CoWIN.
- PM-WANI fits DPI because it is standards-based, interoperable, modular and has low entry barriers; the government sets rules and keeps the registry while private players operate.
- C-DoT: premier telecom R&D centre of DoT, set up August 1984, headquartered in New Delhi; work covers digital switching, fibre-optic systems, rural telephony, 4G core and 5G/6G research.
Exam angle
- Likely question: who runs the registry, how many building blocks exist and what are the 2026 upgrades.
- Term tags: PDO, PDOA, App Provider, Central Registry, SSID, DPI.
- Date tag: 9 December 2020 approval.