Government approved the PM-WANI Scheme on 9th December 2020 to accelerate the proliferation of Broadband services through Public Wi-Fi networks across the country. The PM-WANI framework, in line with the objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018, aims to create a robust digital communications infrastructure. The framework allows Public Data Offices (PDOs) to set up Wi-Fi hotspots, under the aggregation of Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs), with minimal regulatory oversight, thus encouraging local entrepreneurs to participate in the digital transformation process. As on 26.11.2025, state wise total count of PMWANI W-Fi hotspots is enclosed as Annexure-I.

Under PMWANI scheme, the Wi-Fi services to the customer is delivered by Public Data Offices (PDOs) who are the agents of PDOAs (Public Data Office Aggregators). As on 26.11.2025, the total number of PDOs (Wi-Fi Hotspots) currently on-board are 3,91,599.

Dept of Telecommunications introduced following key reforms on 16.09.2024 in the existing PM Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework to address the pressing issues relating to the proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Access Points through PMWANI:

• PDOs (Public Data Offices) were allowed  to offer PM WANI through a regular FTTH connection which will reduce their cost.
• PDOs were allowed to aggregate their multiple Access point to a single backhaul towards the Internet Service Providers to create wider Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Existing home or business Wi-Fi Access Points were allowed to join the larger PM-WANI network, thereby utilizing their existing Access point as a source of revenue.
• Roaming was allowed between PDOAs enabling end users to switch between PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots of different PDOAs smoothly.
• PDOs were allowed to offer Mobile data offload by teaming up with existing Telecom Service Providers.
• PDOAs and App providers were allowed to send content, promotions, and branding messages to potential PM-WANI Wi-Fi users, after due user consent.

Further, TRAI released a Telecommunication Tariff (71^st Amendment) Order, 2025 on 16.06.2025 related to tariff for retail broadband connectivity for Public Data Offices. This order mandates that all retail FTTH broadband plans up to 200 Mbps must be offered to Public Data Offices (PDOs) at tariffs not exceeding twice the corresponding consumer broadband price.

Under PMWANI scheme, hardware & software is to be procured by PMWANI stakeholders (PDOs, PDOAs and App providers). The solution developed by the stakeholders has to be PMWANI compliant which in turn is certified by CDOT in accordance to PMWANI guidelines.

Annexure-I

 

 

This information was given by the Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha today.

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MI/ARJ

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