Digital India Initiatives

PM-WANI Scheme

Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Why in the News?

The TRAI ordered that public Wi-Fi hotspot operators under PM-WANI programme should not be charged more than twice what a residential broadband user paid for setting up a hotspot.

What is the PM WANI Scheme?

  • Overview: PM Modi launched the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) in December 2020.
  • Nodal agency: It is an initiative under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
  • Objective: To democratize internet access, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
  • Goals: It takes forward the goal of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP) of creating a robust digital communications infrastructure.
  • Implementation: Leverages Public Data Offices (PDOs) established in public spaces like railway stations, banks, post offices, and more. Users can access the internet via Wi-Fi at these locations without requiring a SIM card.
  • PM-WANI ecosystem consists of four parts: 
    1. Public Data Office (PDO): It establishes the Wi-Fi Hotspots and provides internet access to users
    2. Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):  It provides authorisation and accounting services to PDOs.
    3. App Provider: It displays the available hotspots in the phone’s proximity.
    4. Central Registry: This overseen by the Centre for Development of Telematics maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
  • How to Utilize PM WANI?
    • To access PM WANI services, users must install the Data PM WANI app on their smartphones.
    • Through the app, users can connect to nearby public Wi-Fi PDOs.
    • This application facilitates seamless connectivity to PM-WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots, empowering users to access broadband services conveniently.

Role of Public Data Offices (PDOs):

  • The PM-WANI scheme includes a provision for establishing Public Data Offices (PDOs) by rural entrepreneurs in remote regions.
  • These PDOs procure internet bandwidth from telecom service providers or ISPs to offer Wi-Fi services at minimal charges.
  • This model enables individuals to access the internet even in areas with limited or no data connectivity.
[2018] Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India?

  1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
  2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
  3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our school, public places and major tourists.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

 

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