Introduction To PM-WANI

A. The PM-WANI scheme is a government initiative to provide public Wi-Fi hotspots across India. The scheme was launched in December 2020 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. It aims to provide affordable and reliable internet access to everyone in India, especially in remote and rural areas. The scheme is expected to create a huge impact on digital connectivity and accessibility in India.

B. The PM-WANI scheme is an important scheme for digital connectivity and accessibility in India. It is a step towards bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, as well as between the rich and the poor. Access to the internet is essential for economic growth, education, and social development. The scheme aims to provide internet access to every citizen of India, regardless of their location or income.

C. The objective of the PM-WANI scheme is to provide affordable and reliable internet access to everyone in India. The scheme is expected to enable digital inclusion and provide opportunities for small entrepreneurs. The scheme is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy by enabling e-commerce and other online businesses. The PM-WANI scheme is a significant step towards making India a digital-first country.

II. Understanding PM-WANI Scheme

A. The PM-WANI scheme is a scheme that enables the setting up of public Wi-Fi hotspots across India. The scheme aims to provide access to the internet to every citizen of India, regardless of their location or income. The scheme is expected to create opportunities for small entrepreneurs and enable the growth of e-commerce and other online businesses.

B. The PM-WANI architecture consists of three entities – Access Points (APs), Public Data Offices (PDOs), and PDO Aggregators. Access Points are the physical points where the Wi-Fi signals are broadcasted. Public Data Offices are the entities that provide internet services to the end-users. PDO Aggregators are the entities that aggregate the PDOs and connect them to the PM-WANI platform.

1. Access Points (APs): Access Points are the physical points where the Wi-Fi signals are broadcasted. These can be set up by any individual or organization, including small entrepreneurs, and can be located in public places such as parks, railway stations, bus stands, and other public areas.
2. Public Data Office (PDO): PDOs are the entities that provide internet services to the end-users. PDOs can be small shops, kirana stores, tea stalls, or any other small establishment that has a stable internet connection. PDOs will be allowed to provide internet services to the end-users in their vicinity, subject to certain regulations.
3. PDO Aggregators: PDO Aggregators are the entities that aggregate the PDOs and connect them to the PM-WANI platform. PDO Aggregators will be responsible for onboarding the PDOs and ensuring that they comply with the regulations. They will also be responsible for the collection and distribution of revenue generated from the scheme.

C. The business model of the PM-WANI scheme is based on revenue sharing between PDOs, PDO aggregators, and Access Point Providers (APPs). The revenue generated from the scheme will be shared among these entities, with the majority share going to the PDOs.

D. The benefits of the PM-WANI scheme are numerous. The scheme will enable digital inclusion by providing affordable and reliable internet access to everyone in India. It will create opportunities for small entrepreneurs, who can set up Access Points and become PDOs. It will also enable the growth of e-commerce and other online businesses, which will have a positive impact on the economy.

III. PM-WANI Scheme Implementation

A. The roll-out plan of the PM-WANI scheme involves setting up of 1 crore public Wi-Fi hotspots across India. The scheme is expected to be implemented in a phased manner, with the first phase covering the top 1000 cities in India. The scheme will be implemented by the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including telecom companies, internet service providers, and small entrepreneurs.

B. The implementation of the PM-WANI scheme will involve the following steps:

1. Registration of Access Point Providers (APPs): The first step in implementing the PM-WANI scheme is the registration of Access Point Providers (APPs). Any individual or organization can register as an APP and set up Access Points in public places. The registration process is expected to be simple and straightforward, with minimum documentation requirements.
2. Onboarding of PDOs: The second step in implementing the PM-WANI scheme is the onboarding of PDOs. PDOs will be onboarded by PDO Aggregators, who will ensure that they comply with the regulations. PDOs will be required to register with the PDO Aggregator and obtain a license to provide internet services.
3. Setting up of Access Points: Once the APPs are registered and PDOs are onboarded, Access Points can be set up in public places. The APPs will be responsible for setting up and maintaining the Access Points.
4. Connection to PM-WANI platform: After the Access Points are set up, they will be connected to the PM-WANI platform. PDO Aggregators will be responsible for connecting the PDOs to the platform.
5. Revenue sharing: The revenue generated from the scheme will be shared among APPs, PDOs, and PDO Aggregators, with the majority share going to the PDOs. The revenue sharing model will be based on a pre-determined formula, which will be transparent and easy to understand.

C. The implementation of the PM-WANI scheme is expected to create a huge impact on digital connectivity and accessibility in India. The scheme will enable affordable and reliable internet access to every citizen of India, especially in remote and rural areas. It will also create opportunities for small entrepreneurs and enable the growth of e-commerce and other online businesses. The PM-WANI scheme is a significant step towards making India a digital-first country.

IV. Conclusion

A. The PM-WANI scheme is an important initiative for digital connectivity and accessibility in India. The scheme aims to provide affordable and reliable internet access to every citizen of India, regardless of their location or income. The scheme is expected to enable digital inclusion and provide opportunities for small entrepreneurs. The scheme is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy by enabling e-commerce and other online businesses.

B. The PM-WANI scheme is based on the principle of revenue sharing, with the majority share going to the PDOs. The scheme is expected to be implemented in a phased manner, with the first phase covering the top 1000 cities in India.

C. The implementation of the PM-WANI scheme is expected to create a huge impact on digital connectivity and accessibility in India. The scheme will enable affordable and reliable internet access to every citizen of India, especially in remote and rural areas. It will also create opportunities for small entrepreneurs and enable the growth of e-commerce and other online businesses. The PM-WANI scheme is a significant step towards making India a digital-first country.