Context :

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a draft Telecommunication Tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024 on “Regulatory framework for PM-WANI scheme”.

What is PM-WANI?

• Launched: 2020 by the Department of Telecommunication
• Objective: Boost public Wi-Fi hotspots for better digital connectivity, especially in rural and underserved areas

Goals:

• Employment: Create job opportunities for small and micro-entrepreneurs
• Accessibility: Provide affordable internet to underserved urban and rural households
• Local Engagement: Enable local businesses to offer Wi-Fi without needing a license or registration fee

Targets vs. Reality

• NDCP 2018 Goal: 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022
• Bharat 6G Vision Goal:
  • 10 million by 2022
  • 50 million by 2030

However, PM-Wani hotspot numbers presently are much below the targeted numbers.