Date : 27/07/2023

Relevance –

• GS Paper 2 – Government Policies & Interventions
• GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure ( Digital ) & Awareness in the fields of IT

Keywords – PM-WANI, PDOs, TRAI, Digital India Program

Context –

In the contemporary world, digital connectivity is an indispensable prerequisite for all things digital.

The Transformation of India's Digital Connectivity Landscape

In recent years, India's digital connectivity landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by several key factors. The proliferation of mobile telephony has been a major catalyst, with over a billion mobile connections now in use across the country. Additionally, the widespread availability of 4G coverage has significantly improved internet access for millions of Indians. Moreover, the substantial reduction in data tariffs, from Rs 300 per GB to just Rs 7 per GB, has made internet usage more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population. The increased penetration of smartphones has further facilitated digital connectivity, bringing a wide range of online services and opportunities to people's fingertips. Alongside these factors, the implementation of enabling policies like Net Neutrality and the government's focus on building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), particularly digital ID and UPI, have contributed to the surge in digital transactions across various domains.

India's Digital India Program: Vision and Goals

The Digital India program was launched with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy. The program's goals revolve around ensuring digital access, inclusion, empowerment, and bridging the digital divide. It centers on three key vision areas:

• Digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, ensuring seamless access to digital services and information.
• Governance and services on demand, making government services easily accessible and efficient through digital platforms.
• Digital empowerment of citizens, equipping individuals with digital skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital era.

The overarching objectives are to leverage digital technologies to improve the lives of every citizen, foster the growth of India's digital economy, create investment and employment opportunities, and enhance the country's digital technological capabilities.

Outcomes of the Digital India Program

The implementation of the Digital India program has yielded significant outcomes. Notably, it has considerably reduced the distance between the government and citizens, enhancing transparency and accountability in service delivery. By directly delivering services to beneficiaries, the program has curbed corruption and improved efficiency. As a result, India has emerged as a leading nation in utilizing technology to transform the lives of its citizens. The program's focus on digital empowerment has empowered individuals with knowledge and skills to participate more actively in the digital world. Furthermore, the increased adoption of digital transactions across various domains has bolstered the growth of India's digital economy.

The Challenge of Data Demand and Gaps

The rapid growth of digital connectivity has brought about an unprecedented surge in data demand. Video consumption, in particular, has emerged as the primary driver of this demand. India's per capita data consumption has skyrocketed to an astonishing 19.5 GB per month. The total data volume transported by mobile networks in India has even surpassed the combined data volume of the United States and China's mobile networks. However, despite the widespread usage of data, there remains a significant gap between the demand and the affordability of data supply, especially for poorer households and rural areas.

PM-WANI: Bridging the Data Supply Gaps

• To address the data supply gaps and promote internet accessibility in a cost-effective manner, the government introduced the PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) initiative.
• PM-WANI aims to create interoperable public Wi-Fi hotspots, referred to as Public Data Offices (PDOs). These PDOs would serve as last-mile distribution points for broadband internet, offering affordable sachet-sized data packages priced between Rs 5 to 10.
• By providing community content without overburdening the network bandwidth, PM-WANI seeks to facilitate internet access for a broader population.
• One of the key advantages of PM-WANI is the compelling business opportunity it offers to aggregators, as it eliminates the need for additional licensing fees. This, in turn, encourages the growth of local nano entrepreneurs who can establish Wi-Fi hotspots and offer internet access to others, augmenting their monthly earnings.

Understanding Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (WANI)

The concept of WANI was first proposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in 2017. Similar to the concept of PCOs (Public Call Offices) of the past, WANI envisions creating millions of interoperable Wi-Fi hotspots or Public Data Offices (PDOs). These PDOs would cater to the last-mile distribution of broadband internet to the common people in affordable sachet-sized packages.

Significance of PM-WANI in Expanding Internet Access

PM-WANI holds immense significance in expanding internet access throughout the country. It presents a unique approach to internet distribution at the last mile, promoting affordability and accessibility. By eliminating additional licensing fees, the initiative encourages more players to participate in providing Wi-Fi hotspots, thereby ensuring greater coverage and reach. This, in turn, can lead to an exponential increase in the number of individuals with internet access, especially in underserved areas.

Sachet Internet: Empowering Users with Affordable Plans

The introduction of sachet-sized internet packages priced at Rs 5 to 10 has been a game-changer in promoting internet usage among the masses. For students, in particular, these affordable plans have become a preferable alternative to purchasing other consumables like chips or soft drinks from their pocket money. The availability of sachet internet plans has democratized access to information and educational resources, making it easier for individuals from all walks of life to harness the power of the internet for learning and personal growth.

Challenges in Implementing PM-WANI

While PM-WANI has immense potential, it also faces certain challenges that need to be addressed. One common argument against the initiative is that data is already cheap, and nearly everyone has access to 4G connectivity. However, this oversimplification overlooks the fact that affordability and access remain significant issues, particularly in economically disadvantaged and rural regions. Additionally, some existing platforms like Aadhaar, Aarogya Setu, CoWIN, and Government E-Marketplace (GEM) lack a legal mandate defining their functions, roles, and responsibilities, which raises concerns about data collection and potential breaches of personal information.

The Way Ahead for PM-WANI

To ensure the success and widespread adoption of PM-WANI, all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and startups, must actively promote and support the initiative. Its potential to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through enhanced internet access is significant and should not be underestimated. PM-WANI's unique approach to interoperability, openness, and scalability in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has the potential to make it as successful as UPI and other DPIs.

Conclusion: Empowering India Through Digital Connectivity

India's digital connectivity landscape has come a long way in recent years, driven by various factors and the government's Digital India program. However, the increasing demand for data and the affordability gap remain challenges to be addressed. The PM-WANI initiative offers a promising solution by promoting affordable and accessible internet access through Wi-Fi hotspots. By embracing and supporting PM-WANI, India can further bridge the digital divide and empower its citizens by ensuring enhanced access to digital technologies, fostering economic growth, and transforming lives for the better.

Source – Indian Express