Public Wi-Fi hotspots at a large number of cafes, grocery stores, restaurants and other places around India could be a dream come true in the near future, with the Union cabinet giving nod for a project to expand wireless broadband connectivity.

The project, which goes by name Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM Wani), was originally recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) in March 2017.

Here are the objectives and advantages of PM Wani project:

OBJECTIVE

While no registration would be required for PDOs (PHP Data Objects) and app providers will get themselves registered with DoT (Department of Telecommunications) through online registration portal, without any registration fee. Registration shall be granted within seven days of the application.

Another aim is to become more business-friendly. COVID-19 has demanded delivery of stable and high-speed Broadband Internet (data) services to an increasingly large number of subscribers in the nation including areas which do not have 4G mobile network. This can be achieved by distribution of Public Wi-Fi.

ADVANTAGES

· The project will ramp up the spread of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi network in India. There will be no license fee for providing Broadband Internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.

· The proposal will encourage the growth of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India. It will also help in the proliferation of Broadband Internet, improvement of income and employment and empowerment of people.

· It will establish, maintain and operate only WANI compliant Wi-Fi Access Points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.