The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has revised guidelines under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework, introducing changes related to user login, hotspot identification, and short-duration internet plans, as per news reports.
The Ministry of Communications said the updated rules have been issued to improve access to public Wi-Fi networks and simplify the login process for users connecting through multiple devices.
Stakeholders operating under the PM-WANI ecosystem have been asked to implement the changes within 8 weeks.
As part of the revised framework, users accessing PM-WANI Wi-Fi on laptops and secondary devices will be able to authenticate themselves through a QR-based system.
Under the process, users will scan a QR code displayed on the login page using an authenticated mobile application linked to their smartphone. The DoT said the change is to reduce delays linked to repeated OTP-based logins and simplify internet access on devices without SIM connectivity.
The revised system is expected to become operational across networks by July 2026.
The department has also asked Public Data Office operators to introduce smaller validity plans under the PM-WANI model. Operators have been advised to offer plans with durations of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes.
The shorter plans are aimed at users requiring internet access for limited periods in locations such as railway stations, airports, bus terminals, markets, and shopping centres.
PM-WANI was launched to expand public Wi-Fi availability through a decentralised network of local hotspot providers, including small businesses and retail outlets.
The DoT has additionally directed operators to standardise hotspot names, or SSIDs, across PM-WANI networks. The hotspot names will include PMWANI branding to help users identify authorised public Wi-Fi networks.
The Ministry of Communications said the changes are part of plans to improve interoperability and ease of access under the PM-WANI framework.
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The revised PM-WANI guidelines are scheduled to be implemented within 8 weeks, with the new features to go live by July 2026. The changes cover login systems, hotspot identification and short-duration internet plans across public Wi-Fi networks.
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Published on: May 27, 2026, 1:43 PM IST
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