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PM WANI is a Disaggregated, De-Regulated Wi-Fi Architecture

It Is A Ubiquitous, Robust, Internet Access Infrastructure bringing the Internet to the remotest, unconnected regions of the country.

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VoicenData Bureau
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WANI Network Elements1

It Is A Ubiquitous, Robust, Internet Access Infrastructure bringing the Internet to the remotest, unconnected regions of the country.

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Opportunity to create at least 10 million hotspots in the country through entrepreneurs and retail outlets.

Background

Broadband has become a necessity. Public broadband networks are being set up in every part of the globe – for economic as well as social growth.

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On December 9, 2020, the Prime Minister approved the Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework. Its goal was to expand public Wi-Fi networks and bring broadband services to all. It would facilitate the transformation of India into a digital nation, beaming high-speed broadband Internet via WiFi networks into remotest areas.

In order to make it affordable, the initiative decouples the ecosystem of Wi-Fi operations and network deployment, thereby allowing multiple smaller companies and partners to participate. The end user can purchase coupons for broadband access in lower values, ranging from Rs. 2 to Rs. 20.

The components of the PM-WANI framework for the creation of WiFi Hotspots are:

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Public Data Office (PDO): This is the last mile to the customer, a customer touchpoint. It sets up, and runs WANI-compatible Wi-Fi access points (AP), for subscribers to use the Internet.

table Managed Hotspot Service Provider1 1

table Managed Hotspot Service Provider1 1

Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It will combine PDOs and carries out authorization and accounting tasks. PDOA is an aggregation service. It authorizes access to customers and provides accounting to PDOs (for usage and tariffs). It facilitates PDOs for providing services to the end consumer.

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No licensing is required. PDOA does not pay any license fees to the Government. PDOA needs to register online in a simple process on Saral Sanchar Portal: (https://saralsanchar.gov.in/). And then they have to sign up at the Central Registry (https://pmwani.gov.in).

Any retailer, Kirana shop owner, or supermarket with multiple shops, tea shops, etc can become an aggregator by converting these shops into PDOs.

App Developer: This is the front-end, application that allows users to sign up, open the app and find a WANI-compatible Wi-Fi hotspot that is nearest to them. And then use those hotspots to access the Internet service. Any Android device, smart TV, tablet, or smartphone can be used.

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The app helps ‘discover’, display PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in proximity, and also authenticates potential broadband users.

Startups and wallet providers can become app providers. App Provider need not pay any license fees. They have to simply register online on Saral Sanchar Portal (https://saralsanchar.gov.in/) and sign up on the Central Registry (https://pmwani.cdot.in).

The central registry (CR) keeps track of the information on app providers, PDOAs, and PDOs.

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C-DoT is in charge of maintaining the Central Registry which is hosted at the Government’s National Informatics Center (NIC).

CR is responsible for the certification of PDOAs and App Providers.

Managed hotspot service provider1

Managed hotspot service provider1
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Who can be a PDO?

A PDO could be started by anyone, including a businessperson, a resident, a professional, a village-level entrepreneur (VLE), etc. The greatest places to launch a PDO and provide internet access utilising Wi-Fi connectivity are places like neighborhood markets, booths, tea stalls, Kirana stores, vegetable shops, restaurants, roadside houses, etc.

A PDOA can be any Internet Service Provider (ISP). Or an ISP can provide resources in your area to set up fixed-line broadband connectivity. Make contact with a PDO Aggregator to complete the business model and choose the best kind of Wi-Fi Access Point, install the Wi-Fi access point and begin giving users internet access.

To become a PDO, one can arrange fixed-line broadband connectivity from any Internet Service Provider or PDOA (PDO Aggregator) to finalize the business model and identify an appropriate type of Wi-Fi access point.

A home broadband connection can be used as a backhaul for the PDO.

An AP (or a WiFi router is a hotspot) can be deployed by the PDO for indoor or outdoor coverage.

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