PM-WANI FAQs

The PM-WANI scheme is a framework announced by the Government of India to provide internet access in a decentralized manner through Wi-Fi hotspots. It allows small shopkeepers to become PDOs and opens a new stream of income to them along with providing cheaper data. It aims at digital inclusion by opening high speed access in strategic public areas or regions.

This ecosystem is powered by a tech stack of PDOs, PDOA (PDO Aggregators), and App Providers that together allow for smooth onboarding of users. A customized captive portal appears via an app (either Android or iOS) and users find nearby hotspots. ISPs offload mobile data traffic to these overlapping Wi-Fi networks, primarily to provide a better basement and internal experience.

Winet Infratel is a powerful technology company providing end to end PM-WANI compliant technology stack, AAA servers for billing and authorization. Our entire backend infrastructure — including server-based installations or custom captive portals for showing ads and plans. We are on a mission to empower ISPs and local providers and help them exploit meaningful brand presence and competitive edge in the connected world.

This framework facilitates multiple B2B managed services, targeted advertisements, and tiered premium subscription models for revenue control. Providers to offer discounted data packets, localized ads on captive portals, and even integrate online purchases with digital payment gateways. It also promotes specialized tourism ecosystems and works with local municipalities on projects aimed at boosting digital inclusion.

The PDO (Public Data Office) is a local interface, such as your own small shop or kiosk, which provides Wi-Fi services to the end-subscriber. They require an Access Point (AP) with a provider and a PDO Aggregator such as Winet Infratel for backend management to open one. As a result, this low-cost deployment model enables local entrepreneurs to serve inexperienced users instantly, with little technical lift.

To connect to nearby hot spots, users only need to download the PM-WANI compliant mobile application (for Android and iOS). Once a user is in range, the app provides quick onboarding, enabling users to choose and order internet packages via an in-app payment gateway system. This guarantees reliable connectivity of 99.9% uptime at high speeds, even when the users are outside their home networks.

PM-WANI compliant Access Point, broadband backhaul (subsidized Bharat net) and AAA Server for user authorization is required for the Deployment. Software side requires an admin portal to handle the revenue and a captive portal to interact with the users. Winet Infratel offers the full stack including servers-based installations and mobile application framework.

PM-WANI compliant Access Point, broadband backhaul (subsidized Bharat net) and AAA Server for user authorization is required for the Deployment. Software side requires an admin portal to handle the revenue and a captive portal to interact with the users. Winet Infratel offers the full stack including servers-based installations and mobile application framework.

Wireless Access Points (APs) — the physical devices that transmit the Wi-Fi signal over high density spaces such as airports, malls, and metro stations. They cover "dark zones" where signals do not penetrate including areas like basements strategically, to deliver uninterrupted high-speed internet to users. Under PM-WANI, these points are the physical entry points for users to connect to the internet through the broadband connection of the PDO.

The Access Points (APs) can only work with a certain SSID and a compatible set of authentication protocols that communicate with the central AAA server for accounting. They need to be integrated with a captive portal that controls where the user is redirected, what advertisements are shown, and what plan packages the user can select. To facilitate this automatic and error-free user onboarding journey, Winet Infratel provides custom development for these configurations.

Although the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, an Access Point, as the name suggests, creates a localized wireless network so that more devices can use Wi-Fi, as connecting many devices to the internet via wires would be impractical, and a router connects the local area network created by the Access Point (or other local network) to the rest of the internet. Access Point: Access Point plays a crucial role to increase coverage and serve customers at public places such as bus stands under the PM-WANI ecosystem. The technology by Winet Infratel ensures these APs integrate seamlessly with our portal for billing and user management.

Winet Infratel includes enterprise-grade support and complete technical infrastructure needed for onboarding to PM-WANI framework. We have everything from captive portal management to integration to your payment gateways, so you can earn direct revenues. Turn your public Wi-Fi deployment into a core catalyst for growth Get in touch with us at sales@next2call.com or Call +91-92891 22788 to know more.