PM-WANI, or Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, is a scheme by the Government of India aimed at providing affordable and fast internet to everyone. Launched in December 2020, its mission is to enable easy internet access in villages, small towns, and remote areas. Whether you want to study, start a business, or access information about government schemes, PM-WANI opens the doors to the digital world for you.

Under this scheme, any small shopkeeper or individual can start a Wi-Fi hotspot at their location. This not only provides internet to people but also offers shopkeepers an opportunity to earn extra income. Let’s understand this scheme in detail and see how it is digitally empowering India.
Internet Revolution Through PM-WANI: 247,000 Hotspots and Their Impact
By November 2024, around 247,000 Wi-Fi hotspots have been set up across India under it. These hotspots are installed in villages, towns, and marketplaces, bringing internet access to areas where network connectivity was previously limited.
These hotspots are driving an internet revolution. People can now use fast internet at a low cost. This is especially beneficial for those who were dependent on expensive mobile data. Now, you can connect to a nearby PM-WANI hotspot and enjoy online education, work, or entertainment seamlessly.
How Affordable Internet is Reaching Every Village
The biggest advantage of PM-WANI is that it is taking internet connectivity to villages. Previously, internet availability in villages was minimal. People either had to rely on expensive mobile data or struggled due to poor network connectivity. PM-WANI has found a solution to this problem.
For this, the government has set up a system of Public Data Offices (PDOs). PDOs are local shopkeepers, tea stall owners, or small business owners who install Wi-Fi hotspots at their premises. They purchase internet from telecom companies and sell it at affordable rates to people around them. This increases internet penetration in villages and helps people become a part of the digital world.
How PM-WANI Benefits Everyone
PM-WANI is not just about providing internet; it is a way to connect people from all walks of life to the digital world. Here’s how it benefits different groups:
- Students: With affordable internet, students can attend online classes, watch educational videos on YouTube, and join online courses. This is particularly helpful for students living in villages.
- Shopkeepers: By setting up Wi-Fi hotspots, shopkeepers can earn additional income and attract more customers to their shops.
- Farmers: Farmers can access weather updates, crop prices, and information about government schemes online.
- Women: Women get the opportunity to start online businesses or use digital services from the comfort of their homes.
In this way, PM-WANI is digitally empowering everyone and making the vision of Digital India a reality.
How to Use PM-WANI? Easy Steps
Using it is very simple. Just follow these steps:
- Download the PM-WANI App: Install the PM-WANI app on your smartphone. It is available on Google Play Store and App Store.
- Register: Enter your mobile number on the app and register. If you are already registered, simply log in.
- Find a Hotspot: Click on “WIFI NETWORK LIST” in the app. It will show all the available hotspots near you.
- Connect: Select the hotspot you want to connect to and press the “Connect” button.
- Purchase a Plan: If you do not have a data balance, choose a plan from the available options in the app, pay, and start using the internet.
That’s how easy it is to use it!
Benefits of PM-WANI for Shopkeepers and Students
For Shopkeepers: If you run a small shop, like a grocery store, tea stall, or any other small business, It offers a great opportunity to earn. You can start selling internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot. For example, if you sell an internet plan worth ₹500, you can earn up to ₹400 from it. Additionally, more customers will visit your shop for Wi-Fi, boosting your business.
For Students: PM-WANI is a blessing for students. Often, mobile data is expensive in villages or network issues prevail. PM-WANI hotspots now allow students to access fast internet at low costs, enabling them to attend online classes, watch study videos on YouTube, and enhance their education.
PM-WANI Internet Speed and Pricing
Under it, internet speed and pricing are highly affordable. The speed can go up to 20 Mbps, sufficient for online classes, video streaming, and daily use. The plans are inexpensive:
Duration | Data | Price (INR) |
---|---|---|
1 Day | 1GB | ₹6 |
2 Days | 2GB | ₹9 |
3 Days | 5GB | ₹18 |
7 Days | 20GB | ₹25 |
14 Days | 40GB | ₹49 |
30 Days | 100GB | ₹99 |
These rates are much cheaper compared to mobile data, and you can choose a plan as per your needs.
How to Set Up a PM-WANI Hotspot
If you wish to start a PM-WANI hotspot at your location, the process is simple:
- Prepare Internet and Equipment: Ensure you have a good internet connection and a Wi-Fi router.
- Contact PDOA: Get the list of PDOAs (Public Data Office Aggregators) from the it central registry and contact one.
- Register: Visit the PDOA’s website and fill out the online form with your shop and personal details.
- Complete Agreement: Complete the necessary paperwork with the PDOA.
- Start Hotspot: Use the recommended equipment to start your Wi-Fi hotspot and begin selling internet.
There is no license fee involved in this process, making it very accessible for small shopkeepers. Tip: Visit the official PM-WANI website for more detailed information if you wish to start a hotspot.
PM-WANI and the Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat
It is not just an internet service scheme; it is a significant step toward realizing the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is a part of the Digital India mission, aimed at making India digitally strong.
- It gives small shopkeepers an opportunity to grow their business.
- It increases internet access in villages, connecting people to the digital world.
- It promotes online education, healthcare services, and digital businesses.
In this way, it is helping India transform into a digital and self-reliant nation.
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Conclusion
PM-WANI is a significant step towards digitally empowering India. This scheme is not only bringing affordable and fast internet to villages but also helping small shopkeepers earn more and assisting students in their education. If you wish to be part of this digital revolution, download the PM-WANI app today or consider starting a hotspot at your location.
Have you used PM-WANI? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. If you found this article helpful, share it with your friends and family so they can also benefit from this scheme.
What is PM-WANI?
PM-WANI is a government scheme to provide affordable and fast internet across India through Wi-Fi hotspots.
How many hotspots are under PM-WANI?
By November 2024, around 247,000 hotspots have been set up across India.
How to start a PM-WANI hotspot?
Contact a PDOA, register online, and set up a Wi-Fi device to start your hotspot.