Hindu Editorial Analysis : 26-July-2023
In today’s digital world, digital connectivity is an essential foundation for various aspects of life. India’s digital connectivity landscape has witnessed significant transformation over the past seven years, driven by factors such as the proliferation of mobile telephony, widespread 4G coverage, reduced data tariffs, and increased smartphone penetration. The government’s Digital India program plays a pivotal role in ensuring digital access, inclusion, and empowerment, with a focus on bridging the digital divide.
India’s Digital India Programme
The Digital India program was launched with a visionary goal of transforming India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy. This ambitious initiative focuses on three key areas: providing digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, enabling governance and services on demand, and empowering citizens through digital technologies. The primary objectives of the program are to improve the lives of citizens, boost India’s digital economy, create investment and employment opportunities, and develop digital technological capabilities within the country.
Outcomes of the Digital India Program
Digital India has made remarkable progress in reducing the gap between the government and its citizens. The program has facilitated the delivery of essential services to beneficiaries in a transparent and corruption-free manner. As a result, India has become a global leader in using technology to improve the lives of its people.
Data Demand and Gaps
The rapid growth in digital connectivity has led to an exponential surge in data demand. Video consumption has emerged as the major contributor to data consumption, with India’s per capita data usage reaching a substantial 19.5 GB per month. The total data volume transported by mobile networks in India surpasses that of the US and China combined. However, despite the impressive growth, there remains a significant gap between the demand for data and its affordability, especially among low-income households and rural areas.
Addressing Data Supply Gaps – PM-WANI
To bridge the data supply gaps, the Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (WANI), also known as PM-WANI, was introduced as an innovative solution. This framework aims to create millions of interoperable public Wi-Fi hotspots or Public Data Offices (PDOs). These PDOs offer last-mile distribution of affordable broadband internet in sachet-sized packages, ranging from Rs 5 to 10. PM-WANI fosters the growth of local nano entrepreneurs across the country, allowing small shops, local establishments, and households to become last-mile providers of Wi-Fi hotspots.
Significance of PM-WANI
PM-WANI offers a promising business opportunity for aggregators by enabling the unbundling of internet distribution at the last mile, eliminating the need for additional licensing fees. This ensures a robust foundation for providing affordable internet access to a significant portion of society. With the availability of sachet internet plans, even students can access the internet for educational purposes by spending a minimal amount from their pocket money.
Challenges to Overcome
While PM-WANI has shown great promise, certain challenges need to be addressed for its widespread adoption and success. One argument against PM-WANI is the perception that data is already cheap, and most people have 4G connectivity, rendering Wi-Fi hotspots unnecessary. However, this view overlooks the vast rural areas and marginalized communities that still lack adequate connectivity.
Moreover, there is a need for a legal mandate to define the functions, roles, and responsibilities of various digital platforms. Data collection practices have raised concerns about privacy and data breaches, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information.
Why In News
In today’s world, digital connectivity stands as an indispensable foundation for all facets of the modern digital landscape. It serves as the lifeblood that fuels the seamless integration and interdependence of digital technologies, revolutionizing how we communicate, work, and live.
MCQs about Bridging the Digital Divide
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What is the primary goal of India’s Digital India program?
A. To promote the use of smartphones
B. To transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy
C. To reduce the cost of mobile data
D. To increase the number of Wi-Fi hotspots
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What is the major contributor to data consumption in India?
A. Mobile telephony
B. 4G coverage
C. Affordable data tariffs
D. Video consumption
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How does PM-WANI help bridge the data supply gaps in India?
A. By providing free Wi-Fi hotspots in urban areas
B. By offering unlimited internet data packages
C. By creating interoperable public Wi-Fi hotspots (PDOs) in sachet-sized packages
D. By distributing smartphones to rural households
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What is one of the challenges faced in the implementation of PM-WANI?
A. Lack of government support
B. Excessive licensing fees for aggregators
C. Overabundance of Wi-Fi hotspots in urban areas
D. The perception that data is already cheap and everyone has 4G connectivity
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