The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Tuesday introduced a series of citizen-friendly reforms under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework aimed at making public Wi-Fi simpler, faster and more accessible across the country.
The reforms include QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, introduction of flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans, and standardisation of PM-WANI hotspot names for easier identification and improved reliability.
Under the revised framework, users will now be able to connect laptops and other secondary devices by scanning a QR code through an authenticated smartphone app, eliminating lengthy login procedures and enabling faster and secure internet access.
To improve affordability and convenience, the DoT has also advised operators to introduce sachet-style Wi-Fi plans with validity options of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, particularly benefiting commuters, students and users at public places such as railway stations, malls and transit hubs.
The department has further standardised hotspot names with PMWANI branding to help users easily identify authentic and reliable public Wi-Fi networks.
All stakeholders operating within the PM-WANI ecosystem have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks, making the new features operational nationwide by July 2026.According to the DoT, the reforms are part of ongoing efforts to expand affordable digital connectivity and accelerate adoption of public Wi-Fi infrastructure under the Digital India initiative.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia has been overseeing the transformation of the PM-WANI ecosystem, while Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani recently chaired review meetings with officials and stakeholders to improve implementation and user experience.
Speaking on the reforms, Pemmasani said PM-WANI is aimed at ensuring universal public Wi-Fi access and that the new QR-based login system would allow users to connect laptops simply by scanning a code through their phones. He added that public Wi-Fi was increasingly emerging as an important utility for students, travellers, professionals and small businesses in the digital era.
Ministry of Communications has said that all PM-WANI stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines, making the new user-friendly features operational across the ecosystem by July this year.The 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.
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