PM-WANI scheme

Why in news?

• PM-WANI will be a vital component of DPI or Digital Public Infrastructure, just like UPI. PM-WANI or Prime Minister's WiFi Access Network Interface is a scheme that promises wireless internet access to the most poor and remote people in India

About PM-WANI scheme:

• PM WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) is a scheme meant to increase Wi-fi access throughout the country.
• The move is aimed at helping accelerate the uptake of broadband Internet services.
• It was first recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in 2017 and later launched by the Department of Telecom (DoT) in December 2020.
• This framework took forward the goal of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP) of creating a robust digital communications infrastructure.

Key features:

• This will allow setting up of public WiFi hotspots across the country via public data offices or public data offices (PDOs).
• It will not require the PDOs to get a license or pay a fee.
• This will involve multiple players, including PDOs, Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOA), app providers, and a central registry.

Components:

• Public Data Office (PDO):
  • It will establish, maintain, and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.
• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):
  • It will be an aggregator of PDOs and perform the functions relating to Authorization and Accounting.
• App Provider:
  • It will develop an App to register users and discover WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display the same within the App for accessing the internet service.
• Central Registry:
  • It will maintain the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs. To begin with, the Central Registry will be maintained by C-DoT.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding ‘PM-WANI scheme’?

1. It was launched by the Department of Telecommunications

2. PM-WANI framework envisages provision of Broadband through Public Wi-Fi Hotspot providers

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer