The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a fresh set of reforms under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework to make public Wi-Fi access simpler, more affordable, and easier to identify for users across India.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the changes include QR code-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, flexible short-duration internet plans, and standardised hotspot naming to improve reliability and ease of access.
The reforms were introduced through DoT circulars issued on May 22, with all PM-WANI ecosystem participants directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks. The upgraded features are expected to go live across the network by July 2026.
The move is part of the government’s broader Digital India push to strengthen digital public infrastructure and expand affordable internet access nationwide.
Under the revised framework, users will be able to connect laptops and other secondary devices to PM-WANI hotspots using QR-based authentication.
Instead of going through conventional login steps, users can scan a QR code through an authenticated smartphone application to securely connect their devices, a move aimed at reducing friction in the login process.
The Department said the change is intended to improve user convenience while maintaining secure access standards.
Another key change involves the introduction of short-duration internet plans.
Hotspot operators have been advised to offer sachet-style plans of 15, 30, and 60 minutes, especially at locations such as transit hubs, shopping malls, and other public spaces where users may only need temporary access.
According to the ministry, these flexible plans are expected to improve affordability for commuters, students, and occasional users, while also helping operators improve hotspot usage and revenue generation.
The government has also moved to standardise hotspot names, or SSIDs, under a common PMWANI branding format. This is intended to help users more easily identify legitimate public Wi-Fi networks and reduce confusion around available connections.
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said the changes are aimed at making public Wi-Fi significantly easier to use. “PM-WANI is our platform for universal public Wi-Fi access, and we are making it easier to use,” he said.
The ministry said public Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming an essential digital utility for students, travellers, working professionals, commuters, and small businesses.
The reforms are being implemented under the leadership of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia as part of efforts to strengthen the PM-WANI ecosystem and expand affordable digital connectivity across the country.
