PM Wani revival: Trai proposes reduction in high Internet costs by telcos

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Awareness in IT

Context:

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) proposed reduction in broadband connection rates charged by telcos and Internet service providers (ISPs) from public data offices (PDOs) under the PM Wani programme.
The proposal by TRAI, as part of the draft telecommunication tariff (70th Amendment) Order, 2024, aims at reviving the PM Wani programme.

Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI) programme:

The programme was launched by Department of Telecom in 2020 to democratise content distribution and broadband access at affordable rates through public WiFi hotspots.
4 elements of the Scheme:
- Public Data Office (PDO): PDOs are local shops/ retailers, kiranawalas, storekeepers, etc that deploy public Wi-Fi hotspots and connect the last mile under the PM Wani programme.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Entity that provides aggregation services, such as authorization and accounting, to PDOs, and facilitates them in providing services to the end users.
- App Provider: App providers create mobile apps that help users find, register for, and connect to PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Central Registry: The Centre for Development of Telematics manages the Central Registry, which keeps information about PDOs, PDOAs, and app providers.

Why does PM WANI need revival:

The project did not take off as expected owing to the extremely high cost of connectivity charged by service providers from PDOs.
Telcos and ISPs have been charging up to Rs 8 lakh a year from PDOs and public data office aggregators (PDOAs) for supplying Internet-leased lines, whereas broadband for personal use comes at rates starting at as low as Rs 300-400 a month.

Status of Wi-Fi hotspots under PM WANI:

There are 207,642 deployed PM-Wani Wi-Fi hotspots in the country and 199 PDOAs and 111 app providers as of June 2024.
This is below the target set by National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 to enable deployment of 5 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2020 and 10 million by December 2025.
Also, Bharat 6G Vision has set the goal of 50 million public WiFi hotspots by 2030.

About TRAI:

TRAI was established in 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.
It provides a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
The TRAI consists of a chairperson, two whole-time members and two part-time members, all of which are appointed by the Government of India.
Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.