The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a series of user-friendly reforms under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework in a major step towards strengthening India’s digital public infrastructure and improving ease of internet access for citizens.
The new measures include:
- QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices
- Introduction of flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes
- Standardisation of PM-WANI hotspot names (SSIDs) for easier identification and enhanced reliability
All PM-WANI stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks from the date of issuance of the circulars, making the new user-friendly features operational across the ecosystem by July 2026.
Speaking about the reforms, minister of state for communications and rural development said that PM-WANI is the platform for universal public Wi-Fi access, and it is being made easier to use. QR-based login now connects the laptop simply by scanning a code on the phone. Hotspot operators are advised to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes for users who need brief internet access. He stated that in today’s digital era, public Wi-Fi is emerging as an important public utility supporting students, travellers, commuters, professionals and small businesses across the country.
The DoT now permits QR-based authentication for secondary devices like laptops to ease PM-WANI access. Users can connect by scanning a QR code on the login page using an authenticated smartphone app, reducing friction for a faster, secure experience. To assist users at public locations like transit hubs and malls, the DoT has advised operators to offer sachet-style validity plans: 15, 30, and 60 minutes. These plans enhance affordability for commuters and students while boosting operator revenue and hotspot utilisation.
SSID nomenclature is now standardised with PMWANI branding to help users identify authentic networks. Launched under the Digital India initiative, PM-WANI provides scalable, affordable internet through a distributed ecosystem of public data offices, public data office aggregators, and app providers.