Is India Really Moving Towards Deeper Nationwide Wi-Fi Coverage?
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Synopsis
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced at the Broadband India Forum conference that the government is taking significant steps to ensure nationwide Wi-Fi coverage. This initiative aims to empower every Indian with internet access, especially in rural areas, and is pivotal in supporting technological advancements across various sectors.
Key Takeaways
- India is advancing towards comprehensive national Wi-Fi coverage.
- The 6GHz spectrum will be delicensed for better internet services.
- Government's role is evolving to facilitate technology access.
- PM-WANI aims to democratize broadband and empower local entrepreneurs.
- Focus on connecting rural areas to high-speed internet.
New Delhi, June 24 (NationPress) India is progressing towards a future where Wi-Fi will be available in every corner of the nation, stated Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday.
During a special conference held by the Broadband India Forum (BIF) in celebration of World Wi-Fi Day 2025, Scindia revealed that the government is initiating significant measures to ensure comprehensive nationwide Wi-Fi coverage, which will propel growth across various sectors.
He underscored a major policy reform by confirming that the nation is advancing towards the delicensing of the 6GHz spectrum, a vital step that promises faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
“The pertinent regulations will be issued on or before Independence Day this year,” he mentioned.
Scindia emphasized that the government's role is shifting from being merely a regulator to becoming a facilitator, ensuring that technology is accessible to all, without favoring any specific company or technology.
“This is a moment to celebrate the freedom to connect, create, and elevate. As adoption rises, costs fall. Internet penetration is expanding, even into rural areas,” he remarked.
“Currently, we are piloting 5G applications in 13 villages, providing 10 essential services in each. Our goal is to guarantee that every Indian has access to high-speed internet, regardless of their location,” Scindia further added.
The conference was attended by influential policymakers, industry leaders, and technology specialists.
BIF Chairperson Aruna Sundararajan, in her opening remarks, highlighted that Wi-Fi will be crucial in achieving the government’s vision of connecting the 40 percent of India’s population that remains offline.
She noted that with over 80 percent of internet usage occurring indoors, Wi-Fi networks—particularly utilizing the 6GHz band—are more effective compared to mobile networks in such settings.
“The delicensing of the 6GHz band will facilitate India’s adoption of modern technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. This will enhance new fields such as augmented reality, cloud gaming, and 8K video streaming. It's a substantial leap towards improved user experience and innovation,” Sundararajan stated.
The BIF reaffirmed its commitment to backing initiatives like PM-WANI and the delicensing of the 6GHz spectrum.
The forum believes these initiatives will transform every Wi-Fi hotspot into a powerful hub for data access and processing, fostering faster and more inclusive digital growth across the nation.
Dr. R.S. Sharma, former TRAI Chairman, remarked, "PM-WANI is a groundbreaking public Wi-Fi framework aimed at democratizing broadband access; it is akin to the UPI for the Telecom Sector."
"By establishing an open, secure, and interoperable framework, PM-WANI hotspots serve as digital gateways empowering local entrepreneurs and ensuring vast internet access. With cost-effective infrastructure, public Wi-Fi can function as a digital equalizer—bridging the digital divide and empowering every citizen," Sharma concluded.
Point of View
Ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their location, can access essential services and opportunities in a rapidly digitalizing world.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 6GHz spectrum delicensing?
The delicensing of the 6GHz spectrum is crucial as it will enable faster and more reliable internet services, paving the way for advanced technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7.
How will this initiative affect rural areas in India?
This initiative aims to ensure that rural areas receive high-speed internet access, thereby promoting digital inclusion and providing essential services.
What is PM-WANI?
PM-WANI is a public Wi-Fi framework designed to democratize broadband access in India, enabling local entrepreneurs to provide internet services and bridge the digital divide.
What role does the government play in this initiative?
The government is transitioning from a regulatory role to a facilitator, ensuring equal access to technology for all citizens without favoritism.
What are the expected benefits of nationwide Wi-Fi coverage?
Nationwide Wi-Fi coverage is expected to drive growth across sectors, enhance user experience, and encourage technological innovations in India.
