Policy Push Boosts Rural Wi-Fi Access: PM-WANI Crosses 4 Lakh Hotspots Milestone

The Government of India’s flagship Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme has achieved a major milestone in expanding public internet access across the country. Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, informed the Rajya Sabha that as of February 28, 2026, more than 4,09,403 Public Data Offices (PDOs) — or public Wi-Fi hotspots — are operational under the PM-WANI framework across States and Union Territories.

Alongside these hotspots, 207 Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) and 113 App Providers have registered under the scheme, creating a robust ecosystem for public Wi-Fi services. States such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as leaders in hotspot deployment, reflecting strong regional adoption.

Rising Adoption and Data Consumption

The Union Minister highlighted that 2.44 crore internet users have accessed PM-WANI hotspots to date, consuming approximately 58.64 petabytes of data since the scheme’s launch. This surge underscores the growing reliance on public Wi-Fi networks for affordable and accessible broadband services.

Decentralised, Market-Driven Model

The PM-WANI framework is designed around a decentralised and market-driven approach, encouraging local entrepreneurs to set up and operate Wi-Fi hotspots based on techno-commercial viability. The Government’s role remains focused on policy enablement, ensuring affordability and scalability.

Policy Interventions to Boost Growth

• Cost Reduction: PDOs can now use Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections and aggregate multiple access points to a single backhaul.
• Revenue Enhancement: PDOs may offer mobile data offloading services to telecom operators, while PDOAs and App Providers can deliver promotional and branded content with user consent.
• Improved User Experience: Existing home and business Wi-Fi networks can be integrated into PM-WANI, and roaming among PDOAs has been enabled for seamless connectivity.

Additionally, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), through a tariff order issued on June 16, 2025, mandated that Internet Service Providers offer retail FTTH broadband plans up to 200 Mbps to PDOs at tariffs not exceeding twice the consumer broadband rate, further improving affordability.

Driving Digital Inclusion

The PM-WANI initiative is seen as a cornerstone in India’s digital inclusion journey, bridging connectivity gaps and empowering citizens with affordable internet access. By fostering entrepreneurship and enabling rural connectivity, the scheme is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the Government’s vision of a digitally empowered society.