The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced a comprehensive revamp of the PM-WANI public Wi-Fi framework on Tuesday, aimed at simplifying and expanding public internet access across the country. According to the Ministry of Communications, the revised framework introduces QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, allowing users to connect by scanning codes displayed on login pages using authenticated smartphone apps. This user-friendly feature reduces friction for a faster, secure experience, making public Wi-Fi more accessible to citizens. As per the ministry, the reforms have been introduced through the DoT's circular dated May 22, 2026, with the new user-friendly features expected to become operational across the ecosystem by July 2026. The government stated these reforms are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen India's digital public infrastructure and expand affordable internet connectivity under the Digital India initiative.
Under the updated framework, public data office (PDO) operators have been advised to introduce sachet-style Wi-Fi plans with 15, 30 and 60-minute validity options specifically designed for commuters, students and users seeking brief internet access at public places including railway stations, airports and malls. As reported by the Ministry of Communications, these short-duration plans enhance affordability for commuters and students while boosting operator revenue and hotspot utilisation. Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani emphasized that these plans cater to users requiring temporary internet connectivity at transit hubs and malls. According to the ministry, the flexible plans are expected to improve affordability for commuters, students and occasional users while also increasing hotspot utilisation and operator revenue.
All hotspot names or SSIDs under the PM-WANI ecosystem will now follow standardised nomenclature with PMWANI branding to help users easily identify authentic public Wi-Fi networks. According to the DoT statement reported by the Ministry of Communications, this standardisation aims to prevent confusion and ensure users can quickly identify legitimate public Wi-Fi networks when connecting to internet services. The standardised naming system enhances reliability and user experience across the distributed ecosystem, as reported by the ministry. The reforms come as the government seeks to improve accessibility, interoperability and citizen adoption under the PM-WANI ecosystem.
The DoT has directed all PM-WANI stakeholders to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks from May 22, with the upgraded features expected to become operational nationwide by July 2026. Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani has recently held extensive review meetings with Department officials and stakeholders to accelerate implementation and improve user experience under PM-WANI. Pemmasani stated that these reforms are part of the government's continuing efforts to translate the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi into accessible and affordable digital connectivity for every citizen. The reforms are being implemented under the leadership of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia as part of efforts to strengthen the PM-WANI ecosystem and expand affordable digital connectivity nationwide.
