The Ministry of Communications (MoC) on December 03, 2025, notified regarding the Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme.
The following has been stated namely: -
• The government reports that under PM-WANI, there are now 391,599 public Wi-Fi hotspots (PDOs) operational across India (as of 26 Nov 2025), enabling widespread access to broadband-class internet via public Wi-Fi networks.
• Recent reforms under the scheme allow PDOs to use regular FTTH connections (reducing costs), aggregate multiple access points under a single backhaul, and even convert existing home/business Wi-Fi routers into public Wi-Fi hotspots, thereby widening coverage.
• The scheme now permits roaming between different PDOAs (aggregators), so end-users can seamlessly switch between PM-WANI hotspots. Also, PDOs may provide mobile data offload services by partnering with telecom service providers.
• A recent regulatory change mandates that all retail FTTH broadband plans up to 200 Mbps must be offered to PDOs at tariffs no more than twice the corresponding consumer broadband price — promoting affordable access in public-WiFi networks,
[Press release id: - 2198211]
