PM-WANI: A Disaggregated Wi-Fi Roaming Architecture to Connect the Unconnected

Abstract

Providing seamless access to Wi-Fi through Public Data Offices (PDOs) using PM-WANI technology, could be an economical and rapid way of connecting the unconnected throughout India, especially given the unfeasible business case of rolling out expensive traditional cellular infrastructure in rural areas, plagued with a lower willingness to pay and revenue potential. PM-WANI can provide significant boost to the government’s digital ambition – ubiquitous connectivity, digital inclusion and enabling infrastructure. In addition, productivity improvements from Wi-Fi for the overall economy can also translate into tangible benefits to the economy. Proliferation of broadband across the length and breadth of the country is an essential ingredient of Digital India. Towards this objective, it is envisaged to leverage public Wi-Fi network for delivery of broadband services. This is sought to be facilitated by rolling out PM-WANI infrastructure with the broadband services being provided under distributed architecture and unbundling of infrastructure to improve performance by different players under the PM-WANI eco system.