Telecom – DoT Measures Expected to Expand India’s Public Wi-Fi Reach
Telecom – The Department of Telecommunications has introduced two fresh measures aimed at strengthening India’s PM-WANI public Wi-Fi network, a move welcomed by industry stakeholders as a significant boost for affordable internet access across the country.
The Broadband India Forum (BIF) on Wednesday praised the government’s latest notifications, describing them as practical steps that could improve digital access, especially in crowded urban locations and underserved regions. The PM-WANI initiative was launched to make low-cost, high-speed internet available through public Wi-Fi hotspots and support wider digital inclusion.
Short-Term Data Packs Proposed for Wider Usage
One of the notifications encourages Public Data Offices (PDOs) and Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to introduce small, short-duration internet packs under the PM-WANI framework. These plans are expected to benefit users who need temporary internet access for a limited period.
According to the industry body, such plans could prove useful for travellers, students, commuters, shoppers, and visitors in commercial spaces who may not require full monthly subscriptions. The availability of low-cost sachet-style internet packs is also expected to increase hotspot usage in railway stations, markets, malls, bus terminals, and other public locations.
T.V. Ramachandran, President of BIF, said the introduction of affordable short-term access plans could strengthen the business prospects for hotspot providers operating in high-footfall areas. He noted that public Wi-Fi services may struggle to scale if operators rely only on monthly recharge plans.
Industry experts believe the measure may also help smaller businesses and local operators generate additional revenue while encouraging broader participation in the PM-WANI ecosystem.
QR Authentication Added for Secondary Devices
The second notification focuses on improving user convenience and security. Under the revised guidelines, users will be able to authenticate secondary devices such as laptops and tablets using QR-based verification linked to smartphones that are already connected to the network.
This change is expected to simplify the login process for users who frequently switch between devices while using public internet services. The new authentication method may also reduce friction for people accessing public Wi-Fi in educational institutions, offices, transport hubs, and retail spaces.
BIF stated that the updated framework would improve interoperability and make public hotspot access more secure and user-friendly. The organisation added that smoother authentication systems are important for encouraging wider adoption of public broadband infrastructure.
Standard PM-WANI Branding Across Hotspots
Another major update introduced through the notification is the standardisation of hotspot naming conventions. All PM-WANI-enabled hotspots are now expected to carry a uniform “PM-WANI” identity, making them easier for users to recognise while searching for available networks.
The move is aimed at creating a more consistent public Wi-Fi experience across India and reducing confusion caused by different hotspot names. A common branding structure is also expected to improve trust and visibility among first-time users.
Focus on Small Businesses and Digital Inclusion
BIF highlighted that PM-WANI was originally designed as a lightweight and innovation-driven platform open to startups, village-level entrepreneurs, kirana shops, MSMEs, and local businesses. The organisation said the latest reforms remain aligned with that broader vision of increasing internet accessibility through decentralised participation.
Ramachandran described PM-WANI as one of the country’s key digital inclusion initiatives with the potential to strengthen India’s connectivity ecosystem alongside fibre networks, mobile broadband, and satellite communication technologies.
The latest policy measures come at a time when India continues to focus on expanding digital infrastructure and improving internet accessibility for users in both urban and rural areas. Industry observers believe the updated framework could help accelerate public broadband adoption while creating new opportunities for local internet service providers and small enterprises.