India Opens 15-Minute PM-WANI Wi-Fi Plans as Hotspots Reach Only 4.1 Lakh

3 articles · Updated · Rediffmail · Jun 15

India’s telecom department has let PM-WANI public Wi-Fi operators sell 15-, 30- and 60-minute sachet plans, adding a low-cost option for commuters, students and other short-session users.
The May reforms also allow QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices and standardize hotspot names, steps aimed at cutting login friction and making PM-WANI access easier to identify and trust.
Industry participants said the changes could lift both adoption and monetization, arguing public Wi-Fi cannot scale on monthly plans alone and that bite-sized packs improve the business case in high-footfall and underserved areas.
The push comes as rollout remains far behind target: India had aimed for 1 crore public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022, but only 4.1 lakh had been deployed as of May 31, 2026.

Sources

Rediffmail4h ago

DoT Introduces PM-WANI Reforms for Public Wi-Fi, Allowing Short-Duration Plans and QR Authentication

The Economic Times1h ago

PM-WANI reforms to enhance adoption of public Wi-Fi, boost internet accessibility: Experts - The Economic Times

Facebook4h ago

MY - USERS WILL SOON BE ABLE TO CONNECT LAPTOPS TO PM-WANI WI-FI NETWORKS SIMPLY BY SCANNING A QR CODE The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced a series of new reforms

4 Sources

Do new features solve PM-WANI's core problem: high internet costs charged by telcos to its own hotspot providers?

In a market with the world's cheapest mobile data, is there a real business case for public Wi-Fi in India?

PM-WANI 2.0: How India’s 2026 Reforms Aim to Deliver Universal, Seamless Public Wi-Fi Access

Overview

In May 2026, the Indian government launched major reforms to the PM-WANI scheme to boost public Wi-Fi access and digital inclusion. Led by key ministers, these changes aimed to make Wi-Fi more accessible, user-friendly, and widespread by removing barriers like complex authentication and high operational costs. The reforms introduced easier login methods and new business models to encourage more providers and users, especially in rural areas. By working closely with stakeholders, the government hopes to create a robust, inclusive digital environment, drive economic opportunities, and ensure that public Wi-Fi becomes a convenient option for all citizens.

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