PM-WANI Wi-Fi Rules Changed: What major changes has the government made in the PM-WANI scheme? Now how will QR code work to use public Wi-Fi? Who will benefit most from the new 15, 30 and 60 minute Wi-Fi plans?
PM WANI WiFi Scheme: In today’s era, Internet has become not just a convenience but an everyday necessity. Be it checking tickets at the railway station, making online payment at the bus stand or making video calls and using maps while travelling, every task has become dependent on the internet. In such a situation, if public Wi-Fi is available without hassle and fast, it can prove to be a big relief for millions of people. Keeping this need in mind, the Central Government has made major changes in the PM-WANI Public Wi-Fi scheme.
After the new updates made by the Department of Telecommunications i.e. DoT, now using public Wi-Fi across the country is going to be easier, faster and safer than before. The government claims that these changes will especially benefit students, travelers and small businessmen.
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No longer long login, internet as soon as you scan QR code
Till now, to use public Wi-Fi, one had to enter mobile number, do OTP verification and complete different login steps. But after the implementation of the new rules, this process will become much easier. Under the new system, users will be able to connect directly to the Wi-Fi network by just scanning the QR code. This means that the internet will be operational within a few seconds. The government says that this method will not only be faster but is also considered more secure in terms of cyber security. According to experts, QR based login system can help in reducing problems like fake networks and data theft.
Benefits will be available at railway station, bus stand and mall
The biggest impact of the government’s plan will be seen in those places where a large number of people use the internet daily. Now internet access will be easier than before at railway stations, bus terminals, airports, malls and other public places. Many people want to use the internet for a short time while travelling, but face problems due to the lengthy process and expensive data plans. The new system has brought relief for such people.
Government brought plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes
Under the PM-WANI scheme, the government has also launched new internet plans with shorter validity. These are being called “sachet-style plans”. Their validity will be 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes. These plans have been specifically designed for transit hubs and public places. This means that if a traveler needs internet only for a short while, then he will not need to buy an expensive pack for the whole day. The government believes that this will increase access of more people to digital services and internet will be available at lower cost.
New rule to protect from fake Wi-Fi
The biggest danger while using public Wi-Fi is fake networks and cyber fraud. Many times people connect to fake Wi-Fi, mistaking it for the real network, due to which their data and personal information can be in danger. To deal with this problem, the government has implemented a new rule. Now “PMWANI” branding will be mandatory in the name of all official public Wi-Fi hotspots. With this, users will be able to easily identify which network is official and secure. Technical experts say that this step is considered important towards strengthening cyber security.
The new system will be implemented in the entire country by July 2026
The Department of Telecommunications has given eight weeks time to all the operators associated with PM-WANI to implement the new guidelines. It is expected that this new high-tech system will be completely implemented across the country by July 2026.
The government aims to provide cheap and secure internet to as many people as possible under the Digital India campaign. Especially those areas and sections are expected to benefit from this, where mobile data proves to be expensive or limited.
Digital India can get a big boost
These changes made in PM-WANI scheme can give a new direction to digital connectivity in the country. Features like easy login, low-cost plans and secure network detection can improve the internet experience for common people. If this system is implemented effectively in the coming time, then lakhs of people from railway stations to small towns will be able to avail public internet service without any hassle.
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