Govt revamps PM-WANI public Wi-Fi; introduces QR login, short-duration plans

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Tuesday announced a major overhaul of the PM-WANI public Wi-Fi framework to make public internet access simpler and more accessible across the country.

Under the revised framework, users will now be able to connect laptops and other secondary devices through QR-based authentication.

The feature allows a user to scan a QR code displayed on the login page using an authenticated smartphone app.

The DoT has also advised public data office (PDO) operators to introduce sachet-style Wi-Fi plans with validity options of 15, 30 and 60 minutes to cater to commuters, students and users seeking brief internet access at public places such as railway stations, airports and malls.

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.

“All PM-WANI stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks,” the statement said, adding that the upgraded features are expected to become operational nationwide by July 2026.

Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said the government was focussed on making public Wi-Fi easier to use and more widely accessible.

“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,” he said.

Pemmasani said public Wi-Fi was increasingly emerging as an important public utility supporting students, travellers, professionals and small businesses in the digital economy.

The government said the reforms are part of efforts to strengthen India’s digital public infrastructure and expand affordable internet connectivity under the Digital India programme.

PM-WANI seeks to create a nationwide network of interoperable public Wi-Fi hotspots through a distributed ecosystem involving PDOs, public data office aggregators (PDOAs) and app providers.