PM-WANI Upgrades Simplify Public Wi-Fi Access

28 May 2026 CW Team

QR-based authentication will permit laptops and other secondary devices to connect by scanning a QR code on the login page with an authenticated smartphone application, reducing friction and improving access. The method uses a primary authenticated handset as the enrolment device to simplify the connection flow for devices without native mobile authentication.

Operators have been advised to offer sachet-style validity plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes at transit hubs, malls and public locations to provide affordable brief access. The DoT said such plans are intended to increase affordability for commuters and students while improving operator revenue and hotspot utilisation. The reforms are also expected to support small businesses and professionals who depend on intermittent connectivity.

The DoT has prescribed standardised SSID nomenclature with PM-WANI branding to help users identify authentic networks and to improve reliability across the distributed ecosystem of public data offices, public data office aggregators and application providers. The initiative is framed as part of the Government’s effort to translate the Prime Minister’s vision into inclusive digital connectivity, led by the Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region and supported by the Minister of State for Communications through stakeholder review meetings. Stakeholders are required to complete implementation within the stipulated timeline to drive nationwide adoption of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced user-friendly reforms to the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) to strengthen India’s digital public infrastructure and simplify internet access. The measures announced on 22 May 2026 through DoT Circular Nos. 1/PM-WANI/2026 and 2/PM-WANI/2026 include QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, flexible short-duration access plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and standardised PM-WANI hotspot names. Stakeholders must implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks of the circulars, with the features due to be operational by July 2026. QR-based authentication will permit laptops and other secondary devices to connect by scanning a QR code on the login page with an authenticated smartphone application, reducing friction and improving access. The method uses a primary authenticated handset as the enrolment device to simplify the connection flow for devices without native mobile authentication. Operators have been advised to offer sachet-style validity plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes at transit hubs, malls and public locations to provide affordable brief access. The DoT said such plans are intended to increase affordability for commuters and students while improving operator revenue and hotspot utilisation. The reforms are also expected to support small businesses and professionals who depend on intermittent connectivity. The DoT has prescribed standardised SSID nomenclature with PM-WANI branding to help users identify authentic networks and to improve reliability across the distributed ecosystem of public data offices, public data office aggregators and application providers. The initiative is framed as part of the Government’s effort to translate the Prime Minister’s vision into inclusive digital connectivity, led by the Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region and supported by the Minister of State for Communications through stakeholder review meetings. Stakeholders are required to complete implementation within the stipulated timeline to drive nationwide adoption of public Wi-Fi infrastructure.

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