The central government has announced major changes to the PM-WANI public Wi-Fi scheme to make internet access faster, simpler, and more secure across the country.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) revealed the new updates on Tuesday under the supervision of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State Pemmasani Chandrashekhar.
The move is expected to benefit millions of users, especially students, travelers, and small businesses who depend on affordable internet access in public places.
No More Long Login Process
Connecting to public Wi-Fi at railway stations, bus stands, airports, and malls often takes too much time because of lengthy login steps.
The government is now changing that experience completely.
Under the new system, users will be able to connect to public Wi-Fi simply by scanning a QR code.
This will make the process much faster and easier.
Officials say the new method is also more secure compared to traditional login systems.
Affordable Short-Term Internet Plans Introduced
To make public Wi-Fi more convenient, the government has also launched low-cost short-duration internet plans.
Users will now get sachet-style plans with:
15-minute validity
30-minute validity
60-minute validity
These plans are expected to be affordable and useful for people who only need internet access for a short period.
The service will be available at locations such as:
Railway stations
Bus terminals
Shopping malls
Transit hubs
This could become especially useful for passengers waiting during travel or students needing quick internet access.
Public Wi-Fi Names Will Now Be Standardized
The government is also taking steps to protect users from cyber fraud and fake Wi-Fi networks.
To improve safety, all official hotspots under the scheme will now carry the “PMWANI” branding.
This will help users easily identify genuine and secure public Wi-Fi networks while avoiding fake hotspots created by scammers.
New System Expected by July 2026
The Department of Telecommunications has given operators in the PM-WANI ecosystem eight weeks to implement the new guidelines.
According to reports, the upgraded public Wi-Fi system is expected to become operational across the country by July 2026.
With easier access, better security, and affordable plans, the government aims to make internet connectivity more accessible for everyone in India.
