Noida, May 26 (APAC Media): The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) unveils significant upgrades to the PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, introducing new user-friendly features to improve Wi-Fi accessibility and digital inclusion across India.
Three major reforms have been brought under the PM-WANI ecosystem:
QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices for easier access to PM WANI.
15, 30, and 60 minutes short-duration Wi-Fi plans to assist users at public locations like transit hubs and malls.
PM-WANI is our platform for universal public Wi-Fi access — and we are making it easier to use. QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes… pic.twitter.com/tCeaGjqoaF
— Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (@PemmasaniOnX) May 22, 2026
Standardized PM-WANI hotspot names (SSIDs) to help users identify authentic networks in their area and improve user convenience.
The reforms are being implemented under the leadership of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani.
“PM-WANI is our platform for universal public Wi-Fi access and we are making it easier to use. QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes for users who need brief internet access scanning a code on your phone.” Dr Pemmasani said.
All PM-WANI stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks from the date of issuance of the circulars.
This will make the new user-friendly features operational across the ecosystem by July 2026.
These reforms are part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen India’s digital public infrastructure along with affordable internet access for everyone.
Launched under the Digital India initiative, PM-WANI is a framework designed to expand affordable public Wi-Fi connectivity across the country through a network of Public Data Offices (PDOs), PDO Aggregators (PDOAs), and app providers.
The latest reforms are expected to strengthen nationwide public Wi-Fi adoption and support India’s goal of universal digital connectivity.
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