The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) is a transformative initiative launched in December 2020. Its primary objective is to facilitate widespread public Wi-Fi access across India. This program significantly aims to enhance internet penetration, focusing particularly on rural and underserved regions by establishing Wi-Fi hotspots through local Public Data Offices (PDOs).
PM-WANI operates through a network of PDOs, which include local shops, kiosks, or small businesses that are responsible for setting up and managing Wi-Fi hotspots. These PDOs acquire internet bandwidth from Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and subsequently offer Wi-Fi services to the public.
Public Data Offices play a crucial role in the PM-WANI framework. They are tasked with the establishment and maintenance of Wi-Fi hotspots. By procuring internet connections from service providers, PDOs ensure affordable internet access for users. PDOs can range from a small kirana shop to a local tea stall, thus integrating into the community fabric.
Despite its noble intentions, PM-WANI has struggled to meet its targets. The initiative has encountered significant hurdles, particularly due to the high costs associated with internet leased lines that PDOs must pay to ISPs or TSPs. These expenses can be 40 to 80 times higher than regular fiber broadband connections, rendering the business model financially unviable for many small PDOs.
To mitigate the cost challenges faced by PDOs, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed that these offices be permitted to utilize standard fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections at rates comparable to those for retail customers. This change aims to reduce operational costs and encourage more PDOs to participate in the PM-WANI scheme, ultimately increasing the availability of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.
Q1. What is the main objective of PM-WANI?
Answer: The main objective of PM-WANI is to provide widespread public Wi-Fi access across India, enhancing internet penetration in rural and underserved areas.
Q2. Who manages the Wi-Fi hotspots under PM-WANI?
Answer: Wi-Fi hotspots under PM-WANI are managed by Public Data Offices (PDOs), which are local businesses like shops or kiosks.
Q3. Why is PM-WANI facing challenges?
Answer: PM-WANI faces challenges due to high costs of internet leased lines, making it financially difficult for small PDOs to operate sustainably.
Q4. What are PDOs in the context of PM-WANI?
Answer: PDOs, or Public Data Offices, are small businesses that set up and maintain Wi-Fi hotspots under the PM-WANI initiative.
Q5. What solutions is the government proposing for PM-WANI?
Answer: The government is proposing to allow PDOs to use regular FTTH connections at retail rates to lower costs and encourage participation in PM-WANI.
Question 1: What does PM-WANI stand for?
A) Public Wi-Fi Access Network Initiative
B) Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface
C) Private Mobile Access Network Initiative
D) Public Mobile Access Network Interface
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the primary aim of PM-WANI?
A) Increase mobile data usage
B) Provide public Wi-Fi access
C) Promote fiber broadband services
D) Enhance TSP revenues
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Who are responsible for managing Wi-Fi hotspots under PM-WANI?
A) Government agencies
B) Telecom companies
C) Public Data Offices (PDOs)
D) Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What issue has PM-WANI faced regarding its operational model?
A) Lack of public interest
B) High costs of internet leased lines
C) Insufficient technology
D) Government regulations
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What solution has TRAI proposed for PDOs?
A) Increase internet leased line costs
B) Use regular FTTH connections
C) Limit the number of PDOs
D) Reduce service provider competition
Correct Answer: B
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