Free Public Wi-Fi: On Tuesday, the Department of Telecommunications announced several improvements to the public Wi-Fi service PM WANI. These improvements include renaming hotspots and introducing new, smaller plans with validity periods of 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Furthermore, connecting to public Wi-Fi now requires simply scanning a QR code.

QR Code Based Wi-Fi Login: The central government has taken a major step to make internet accessible to every corner of the country. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Tuesday announced several major changes to the government's public Wi-Fi scheme, PM-WANI. These changes will make public Wi-Fi across the country much easier to use. According to reports, these changes have been made under the supervision of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Minister of State Pemmasani Chandrashekhar. Students, travelers, and small businesses will benefit the most from this.

The internet will work as soon as the QR code is scanned.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi at places like railway stations, bus stands, and malls requires a lengthy login process . However, the government has now made it high-tech and much easier. Under the new rules, users will now be able to connect to public Wi-Fi by simply scanning a QR code. This method is not only superfast but also secure.

The government has introduced 15, 30 and 60-minute plans.

The government has also launched several short-term plans to simplify public WiFi access. These will be sachet-style plans with 15-minute, 30-minute, or 60-minute validity periods and are highly affordable. This service can be availed at bus terminals, railway stations, malls, and transit hubs. ( REF. )

Public Wi-Fi names will change

According to reports, to protect the public from cyber fraud and fake networks operating under the guise of public Wi-Fi, the government has now changed the names of all hotspots. Now, all official hotspots will be required to have the 'PMWANI' branding, allowing users to easily identify genuine and secure Wi-Fi networks.

DoT has given all operators involved in the PM WANI ecosystem eight weeks to implement these new guidelines. This means that this entire high-tech system will be operational across the country by July 2026.

PC: NBT