The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has rolled out a set of citizen-friendly upgrades to the PM-WANI (Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, introducing QR-based authentication, sachet-style validity plans, and standardised hotspot branding to make public Wi-Fi easier and more accessible across India. The reforms were announced via circulars issued on 22 May 2025, with all stakeholders directed to comply within eight weeks — making the changes operational by July 2025.

Key Reforms Introduced

The most significant change is the introduction of QR-based authentication for secondary devices such as laptops. Users can now connect by scanning a QR code on the hotspot login page through an authenticated smartphone app, eliminating the need for separate OTP-based logins on each device. DoT says this reduces friction and speeds up the connection process without compromising security.

Alongside this, operators have been advised to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30, and 60 minutes — a sachet model designed for commuters, students, and travellers who need brief internet access at transit hubs, malls, and other public locations. The move is also expected to improve operator revenue and overall hotspot utilisation.

A third reform standardises SSID (network name) nomenclature under unified PM-WANI branding, helping users distinguish authentic public Wi-Fi networks from unverified ones — a step that also addresses basic network security concerns at the user level.

What the Government Said

Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said, 'PM-WANI is our platform for universal public Wi-Fi access — and we are making it easier to use. QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes for users who need brief internet access.'

Pemmasani noted that public Wi-Fi is increasingly functioning as a utility — comparable to electricity or water supply — supporting students, professionals, small businesses, and daily commuters. He has recently held a series of review meetings with DoT officials and industry stakeholders to accelerate PM-WANI implementation.

Background: What PM-WANI Is

Launched under the Digital India initiative, PM-WANI is a distributed public Wi-Fi architecture built around three roles: Public Data Offices (PDOs), which operate hotspots; Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs), which manage PDO registration and app infrastructure; and app providers, which handle user authentication. The framework was designed to democratise internet access by enabling any shop owner or small entrepreneur to become a Wi-Fi provider without requiring a telecom licence.

Notably, PM-WANI has faced adoption challenges since its launch in 2020, with hotspot density remaining uneven across urban and rural areas. The latest reforms appear aimed at improving the end-user experience to drive uptake from the demand side, rather than purely expanding supply.

Impact and What Comes Next

The eight-week compliance window means the new features should be live across the PM-WANI ecosystem by July 2025. Citizens in cities with active PM-WANI deployments — particularly at railway stations, bus terminals, and educational institutions — stand to benefit most immediately. The standardised SSID branding is expected to build public trust in the network, a prerequisite for mass adoption. Whether operators move quickly to implement the sachet plans will depend on commercial viability at the local level, analysts note.