Context:
PM-WANI framework is making significant strides in enhancing internet accessibility across India.
PM WANI:
- Stands for Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface
- Objective – To aid penetration of public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the nation, especially in rural areas.
- Launched by – Department of Telecom
- Part of – India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
- 4 elements of the Scheme –
- Public Data Office (PDO) – Entity that establishes, maintains, and operates the Wi-Fi hotspot and provides last-mile connectivity to the users. They do not require licenses or registration, and they are not obligated to pay fees to the DoT.
- 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 – Entity that develops an application to register users and discover and display PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots
- Central Registry – Entity that maintains the details of App Providers, PDOAs, and PDOs.
- Significance –
- Takes forward the goal of National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP)
- Facilitate ease of doing business
- Encourage local shops and small establishments to become Wi-Fi providers
- Last-mile Public Wi-Fi providers under the scheme require no license, no registration and will not need to pay any fees
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following:
1. AarogyaSetu
2. CoWIN
3. DigiLocker
4. DIKSHA
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)