DoT rolls out QR-based login, short-duration plans under PM-WANI reforms (Lead)
New Delhi, May 26
The Department of Telecommunications has introduced a series of user-friendly reforms under the PM-WANI framework aimed at expanding affordable and easier public Wi-Fi access across the country, the government said on Tuesday.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the new measures include QR-based authentication for secondary devices such as laptops, flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and standardisation of PM-WANI hotspot names (SSIDs) to improve identification and reliability. The reforms have been notified by the DoT.
According to the government, all stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks, with full rollout expected by July 2026.
Under the updated framework, users will be able to connect laptops and other devices by scanning a QR code via an authenticated smartphone app, reducing login friction and improving ease of access, it said.
In addition, the DoT has advised hotspot operators to introduce sachet-style short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, aimed at commuters, students and users requiring brief internet access at public locations such as transit hubs and malls.
PM-WANI hotspot naming has also been standardised under a unified PM-WANI branding system to help users easily identify authentic networks and reduce confusion.
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.
Under the leadership of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, the PM-WANI ecosystem is witnessing a comprehensive transformation focused on improving accessibility, interoperability, ease of use and citizen adoption.
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said PM-WANI is being positioned as a platform for universal public Wi-Fi access, with a focus on improving ease of use and adoption.
"QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes," he said.
The PM-WANI ecosystem, which operates through a distributed network of Public Data Offices (PDOs), PDO aggregators and app providers, is expected to see wider adoption with the rollout of the new reforms.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I'm skeptical about the implementation on ground. In smaller towns, PM-WANI hotspots still have connectivity issues and many are not maintained properly. Standardizing SSID names is basic, but will operators actually comply? The July 2026 deadline seems too far. Students in tier-2 cities need this now, not two years later. Hope the government ensures strict monitoring rather than just announcing reforms.
Great to see India moving towards more user-friendly public Wi-Fi. The sachet-style plans remind me of how mobile data packs worked in India years ago - flexible and affordable. QR authentication is smart because it leverages the smartphone ecosystem which is already widespread. If implemented well, this could be a model for other developing nations looking to bridge the digital divide.
As a daily commuter who spends 2 hours in local trains, this is excellent news! Currently I rely on mobile data which drains my phone battery and costs more in the long run. Standardized SSIDs will also prevent falling prey to fake hotspot scams - very common in railway stations. Hope they also look at bandwidth improvements because current PM-WANI speeds in Mumbai locals are barely usable for basic browsing. 🤞
Interesting reforms but I wonder about security concerns. QR-based login means your phone essentially becomes an authentication device - what if the phone is compromised? Also, short-duration plans might encourage operators to charge more per minute than standard plans. Transparency in pricing and data encryption standards should have been addressed in the same notification. Hope these gaps are filled before rollout.
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