Daily Current Affairs : 30-November-2024
The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) is a significant initiative launched to improve internet accessibility across India. It focuses on setting up public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in rural areas, to ensure affordable and widespread internet coverage. This initiative is an important part of India’s broader Digital India mission, which aims to make technology more accessible to the public and bridge the digital divide.
What is PM-WANI?
PM-WANI was launched in 2020 by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to increase internet penetration throughout the country. The goal is to establish public Wi-Fi hotspots at a large scale, helping people in rural areas gain affordable access to the internet.
- Local Businesses as Wi-Fi Providers: One of the key features of PM-WANI is that it allows local businesses, such as shopkeepers, to set up and operate Wi-Fi hotspots. These businesses can offer internet services without needing to obtain licenses or pay heavy fees. This makes it easier for entrepreneurs to provide internet access in their communities.
- Support for Digital India: PM-WANI directly supports the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, which aims to expand digital infrastructure across India. By enabling local businesses to act as service providers, PM-WANI is also helping to improve the overall ease of doing business in the country.
- Impact on Digital Inclusion: The PM-WANI initiative is expected to drive significant improvements in digital inclusion. By bringing affordable internet to more parts of the country, it will empower people with access to education, government services, e-commerce, and much more.
Key Components of the PM-WANI Ecosystem
The PM-WANI framework consists of several components that work together to provide internet services:
- Public Data Office (PDO):
- PDOs are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and operating PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots.
- They procure internet bandwidth from telecom or internet service providers and deliver broadband services to subscribers.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):
- PDOAs manage authorization and accounting services for PDOs.
- They help streamline the process of connecting users to internet services.
- App Provider:
- An app provider develops applications that help users find nearby PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots.
- The app also handles user authentication to ensure secure internet access.
- Central Registry:
- The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), an autonomous body under DoT, manages the central registry.
- The registry keeps track of all the entities involved, including app providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
Progress of PM-WANI
As of November 2024, there have been 246,993 hotspots installed across the country, marking significant progress in the mission to improve internet access. This large-scale rollout is helping bridge the digital gap and is a crucial step toward achieving India’s vision of universal internet connectivity.
Important Points:
Here are the important bullet points based on the essay:
- PM-WANI Framework: Launched in 2020 by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to expand public Wi-Fi hotspots across India.
- Objective: Enhance internet accessibility, particularly in rural areas, as part of the Digital India mission.
- Local Businesses as Providers: Allows local businesses (e.g., shopkeepers) to set up Wi-Fi hotspots without requiring licenses or heavy fees.
- Supports National Digital Communications Policy, 2018: Aims to improve digital infrastructure and services across India.
- Digital Inclusion: PM-WANI improves access to education, government services, and e-commerce, driving digital inclusion.
Key Components of PM-WANI Ecosystem:
- Public Data Office (PDO):
- Establishes, maintains, and operates PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Provides internet bandwidth to deliver broadband services.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA):
- Manages authorization and accounting services for PDOs.
- App Provider:
- Develops apps to help users find nearby PM-WANI hotspots.
- Authenticates users for secure internet access.
- Central Registry:
- Managed by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT).
- Maintains details of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.
- Progress: Over 246,993 hotspots installed as of November 2024, showing significant progress in expanding internet access.
- Impact: Helps improve digital access and economic growth, fostering innovation and connectivity across India.
Why In News
The Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework aims to enhance internet accessibility across India by setting up public Wi-Fi hotspots, particularly in rural and underserved areas, thereby empowering millions with affordable and reliable internet access.
MCQs about PM-WANI Framework
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What is the main objective of the PM-WANI framework?
A. To provide free internet to all government employees
B. To increase the number of mobile data users in India
C. To enhance internet accessibility by setting up public Wi-Fi hotspots
D. To reduce the cost of mobile data plans
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Which of the following entities manages the Central Registry for PM-WANI?
A. Department of Telecom (DoT)
B. Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)
C. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
D. Indian Government Ministry of Communications
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the PM-WANI ecosystem?
A. Public Data Office (PDO)
B. App Provider
C. Telecom Service Provider (TSP)
D. Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA)
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How many public Wi-Fi hotspots were installed under PM-WANI as of November 2024?
A. 100,000
B. 150,000
C. 246,993
D. 500,000
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