In contrast to several developed countries that boast of widespread public Wi-Fi coverage, India has traditionally relied on mobile data for accessing high-speed internet. This dependence on mobile data comes with inherent limitations, including constraints in network topology, high user density, limited spectrum, device compatibility, and inconsistent service quality. These factors prevent mobile networks from delivering the same level of consistency, reliability and performance as fixed broadband with Wi-Fi.

However, in recent years, the Indian government has actively worked towards enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity. Initiatives such as the BharatNet project and the Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme have been introduced to expand public access to reliable internet. By increasing the availability of public Wi-Fi hotspots, these initiatives aim to offer people a reliable and affordable alternative to mobile data, enabling access to consistent internet without additional data costs.

Under the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018, the government had set a target to deploy 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022 to create a robust digital communications network. Further, the Bharat 6G Vision has set a target of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030 to meet the mobile and broadband objectives of Digital India 2030.

A look at the progress under key government initiatives undertaken in the Wi-Fi space…

PM-WANI’s role in expanding digital inclusion

The PM-WANI initiative is rapidly transforming India’s connectivity landscape, serving as a powerful catalyst for the growth of public Wi-Fi. Launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the programme is designed to provide affordable and reliable internet through public Wi-Fi hotspots, known as public data offices (PDOs). These PDOs, positioned as last-mile access points, deliver broadband via affordable, sachet-sized data packages. Through PM-WANI, any entity – be it an individual, a small business, or a non-profit organisation – can set up a public Wi-Fi hotspot by leasing bandwidth from telcos, in turn enabling broader participation and swift expansion.

As of November 2024, the PM-WANI scheme has deployed 246,937 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide, with 201 PDO aggregators (PDOAs) and 111 app providers involved in the network. Regionally,
Delhi leads in the number of hotspots with 125,394, followed by Karnataka with 20,420 and Maharashtra with 16,347.

Looking ahead, the effective expansion of PM-WANI hotspots will be crucial for meeting the ambitious targets as more PDOs become operational.

Amendments to PM-WANI

In November 2022, DoT informed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that the proliferation of PM-WANI was falling short due to the high cost of backhaul internet connectivity imposed by telecom service providers (TSPs) and internet service providers (ISPs) on PDOs. Following an analysis, TRAI suggested that broadband connectivity costs for PDOs be rationalised, proposing that PDOs under PM-WANI be offered tariff rates similar to retail broadband (FTTH) rates, thereby making it more affordable for PDOs to operate public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Most recently, in September 2024, DoT implemented significant amendments to the PM-WANI framework to remove key barriers for PDOs in establishing public Wi-Fi access points. Earlier, PDOs had to enter into costly commercial agreements with TSPs/ISPs for internet access, but  recent amendments have eliminated this requirement. Now, PDOs can connect through PDOAs without directly negotiating commercial terms with telecom providers. Additionally, PDOs can now utilise their existing home or office Wi-Fi connections to set up public hotspots. By configuring a secondary service set identifier and linking it with a registered PDOA, PDOs can leverage surplus bandwidth to provide public Wi-Fi, effectively increasing access for end users.

Another key amendment permits PDOs to establish a single, cohesive Wi-Fi network within large establishments, such as malls or bus stations, by networking up to 100 access points. This configuration creates a seamless Wi-Fi experience across a broader area, improving connectivity for users. Furthermore, the amendments allow PDOs to provide mobile data offload facilities to telcos, easing cellular network congestion by shifting data traffic to Wi-Fi.

Finally, DoT now permits roaming agreements between PDOs, enabling subscribers to access internet services across various Wi-Fi access points, either directly or through PDOAs. This provides users with a seamless experience, allowing them to access different hotspots using a single account, enhancing convenience and accessibility. The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has welcomed this move, noting that it will significantly improve the user experience and help advance India’s digital connectivity objectives.

BharatNet

The BharatNet project is another cornerstone initiative by the government aimed at connecting all villages and gram panchayats (GPs) across the country with broadband internet. By deploying public Wi-Fi hotspots in rural areas, BharatNet seeks to enhance digital connectivity and bring substantial benefits to residents in these communities. The project envisions providing each GP with a minimum bandwidth of 100 Mbps. However, the actual Wi-Fi speed available in any given location may vary based on factors such as the number of active users, distance from the optical fibre backbone, and quality of the equipment in use.

As of October 28, 2024, a total of 104,574 Wi-Fi hotspots had been installed at GPs under BharatNet, marking significant progress towards bridging the digital divide in rural India.

State-led initiatives

A number of states across the country are taking proactive steps to enhance internet accessibility by deploying free public Wi-Fi hotspots. One of the most recent developments comes from Sikkim, which has taken a significant step towards digital connectivity with the inauguration of its first free Wi-Fi village at Rabdang. By providing seamless internet access, this initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for residents.

Kerala has also made strides in this area, with the state government granting an administrative sanction of Rs 20 million for the public Wi-Fi project for financial year 2024-25, further enhancing connectivity in the region. In addition, it inaugurated Queen’s Walkway, the first free “Wi-Fi street” in the state. With a budget of Rs 3.18 million, the 1.8 km walkway is equipped with nine poles and 18 access points, providing high quality Wi-Fi to approximately 75 users at a time.

Uttar Pradesh also joined this wave of connectivity initiatives by launching its first Wi-Fi hotspot under the PM-WANI scheme in Unnao in August 2024. Under this scheme, around 16,718 GPs across the state will be equipped with Wi-Fi devices at public locations, increasing internet penetration in rural and semi-urban areas.

In its budget announcement for financial year 2024-25, the Tamil Nadu government outlined plans to establish free Wi-Fi hotspots at 1,000 locations across major cities, including Coimbatore, Trichy and Salem. This initiative aims to enhance digital access and connectivity for residents in urban areas throughout the state. In February 2024, the state government launched a free Wi-Fi programme in Chennai, starting with an initial 500 access points. By July 2024, the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots in the city had grown to 958, greatly enhancing the connectivity for residents.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has an ambitious plan to roll out over 5,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots across Bengaluru.  Upon completion, this project will make the city the leader in public Wi-Fi penetration across Indian cities, setting a new benchmark in urban digital infrastructure.

In addition, Goa plans to set up 75 Wi-Fi hotspots in all 40 constituencies of the state for the benefit of the people, especially the student community. Further, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) is working towards establishing over 100 Wi-Fi hotspots in Goa. These hotspots will be located at government offices, bus stands, public parks, libraries, citizen service centres (CSCs), and other high-footfall areas, providing residents with free and seamless internet access.

Bottom line

Public Wi-Fi is more than a convenience. It is essential for bridging the digital divide and realising the government’s vision of “Digital India” that empowers every citizen, especially those on the margins. Thus, the extensive roll-out of PM-WANI and other public Wi-Fi projects presents a game-changing opportunity for India’s digital ecosystem. Moreover, recent amendments to the PM-WANI scheme signal a renewed push to accelerate the deployment of public Wi-Fi and support India’s ambitious digital infrastructure goals.

However, the success of PM-WANI and other similar initiatives depends on strong public awareness, support for small enterprises and active collaboration between the government and regulators. Together, these efforts can open up and democratise the telecommunications sector, bringing accessible internet to all.