PRIME MINISTER WI-FI ACCESS NETWORK INTERFACE (PM WANI) SCHEME

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-pm-wani-revival-trai-proposes-reduction-in-high-internet-costs-by-telcos-3591053/#:~:text=The%20proposal%20by%20Trai%2C%20as,rates%20through%20public%20WiFi%20hotspots.

Context: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposes to reduce broadband costs to make the PM-WANI scheme more viable.

About PM WANI scheme

• The scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunication in 2020 to make the Internet more accessible and affordable by establishing public Wi-Fi hotspots across India.
• It focuses on creating a network of Public Access Points (PAPs) where people can connect to the Internet at low costs.

PM-WANI Framework

• Public Data Office (PDO): These are local entities like small shops; they set up and manage Wi-Fi hotspots that provide Wi-Fi access to the public.
• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): They are responsible for managing and authorizing PDOs, ensuring they meet requirements and maintain service quality.
• App Provider: The ‘Wi-DOT’ app, helps users to connect PM-WANI hotspots.
• Central Registry: A central database that keeps track of all PDOs, PDOAs, and app providers.
• WANI (Wireless Access Network Interface): This technology enables users to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots that comply with PM-WANI standards.

Challenges

• Economic Viability: The initial high cost of internet connectivity for PDOs posed a significant barrier.
  • • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been charging high, making it financially unviable for small PDOs to participate.
    • Maintaining low costs while ensuring high-quality service is important for the long-term success of the scheme.
• Technical Issues: The current system uses One-Time Password (OTP) for authentication, which can be inconvenient. The plan to replace OTP with Know Your Customer (KYC) will simplify access and enhance user experience.
• Infrastructure: Expanding the number of hotspots and ensuring reliable connectivity across diverse regions requires ongoing investment and technical support.

TRAI's Proposal

• TRAI has proposed to reduce the tariffs for Internet connections provided to PDOs.
  • • Currently, a retail broadband connection might cost between Rs 300-400 per month, PDOs are often billed up to Rs 8 lakh annually for similar bandwidth through leased lines.
    • This high charge makes it financially unfeasible for many PDOs to operate.
• TRAI suggests that PDOs should be charged at rates similar to those for retail broadband connections, to make it more affordable for PDOs to offer public Wi-Fi services.

Way Forward

• Lowering the cost of Internet connectivity for PDOs will likely increase the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots. This can significantly enhance Internet access, especially in underserved and remote areas.
• Reducing the costs makes it easier for small businesses and local shops to participate in the PM Wani program.
• The National Digital Communications Policy 2018, set ambitious targets for the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
  • • The current number of hotspots—around 207,642—falls short of the goal of 5 million by 2020 and 10 million by December 2025.
    • Lower costs could help achieve these targets more effectively.
• The Bharat 6G Vision aims to have 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030. Achieving this requires significant growth in the number of hotspots, which could be facilitated by reduced connectivity costs.

Source:

Financial Express

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