India DoT Reforms PM-WANI Wi-Fi

The India — Department of Telecommunications>>> (DoT) in India>>> has introduced significant reforms under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework to enhance public Wi-Fi accessibility and user convenience. These reforms, outlined in DoT Circulars dated May 22, 2026, include QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans (15, 30, and 60 minutes), and standardization of PM-WANI hotspot names (SSIDs). All stakeholders are mandated to implement these changes within eight weeks, making the new features operational by July 2026. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani>>>, Minister of State for Communications, highlighted that these measures aim to reduce login friction, improve affordability for commuters and students, and increase operator revenue and hotspot utilization. The initiative is part of the government's broader 'Digital India' push to strengthen digital public infrastructure and provide affordable digital connectivity to every citizen, under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi>>> and leadership of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia>>>.