Sri Vijaya Puram, May 26: India’s public Wi-Fi ecosystem is set for a major overhaul as the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has rolled out a series of reforms under the PM-WANI framework aimed at improving accessibility, affordability and ease of use for internet users across the country.
The measures introduce QR code-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, short-duration data plans, and standardised naming of Wi-Fi hotspots, targeting persistent barriers in public internet access. The revised guidelines, issued on May 22, are to be implemented by all stakeholders within eight weeks, making the upgraded features operational by July 2026.
The reforms come as part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen digital public infrastructure and expand low-cost internet availability, particularly for users dependent on public networks such as students, commuters and small businesses.
Under the new system, users will be able to log in to PM-WANI hotspots on laptops and other secondary devices by scanning a QR code through an authenticated mobile application. The move is expected to reduce login friction and simplify access, addressing one of the key usability challenges faced by public Wi-Fi users.
In addition, the DoT has advised hotspot operators to introduce flexible, short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes. These sachet-style plans are aimed at users requiring quick internet access, particularly in public spaces such as transit hubs, markets and commercial centres. The initiative is expected to improve affordability while increasing utilisation of Wi-Fi hotspots.
The department has also standardised the naming convention of PM-WANI hotspots by introducing uniform SSID branding. This step is intended to help users easily identify authentic networks and avoid confusion in crowded digital environments.
The reforms follow a series of review meetings led by Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani with department officials and stakeholders to accelerate adoption and improve user experience under the PM-WANI ecosystem.
Officials said public Wi-Fi is increasingly emerging as a critical utility in the digital economy, supporting connectivity needs across sectors including education, travel, commerce and professional services.
Launched under the Digital India initiative, PM-WANI operates through a decentralised model involving Public Data Offices (PDOs), Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) and application providers. The framework is designed to create a scalable and interoperable network of public Wi-Fi access points across the country.
The latest changes are expected to strengthen the ecosystem by making access faster, more flexible and easier to navigate, while expanding the reach of affordable internet services.
