The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a series of user-friendly reforms under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) framework to make public Wi-Fi simpler, more accessible and easier to identify for citizens.
The new measures include QR-based authentication for laptops and other secondary devices, flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and standardised PM-WANI hotspot names for easier identification of authentic public Wi-Fi networks.
The reforms were announced by the Ministry of Communications on Tuesday, 26 May.
They have been introduced through DoT Circular, 1/PM-WANI/2026 and 2/PM-WANI/2026, both dated 22 May 2026.
All PM-WANI stakeholders have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within 8 weeks from the date of issuance of the circulars.
This means the new user-friendly features are expected to become operational across the PM-WANI ecosystem by July 2026.
According to the ministry, the changes are part of the government’s effort to strengthen India’s digital public infrastructure and improve ease of internet access for citizens.
Under the revised framework, users will be able to connect secondary devices such as laptops by scanning a QR code on the login page through an authenticated smartphone app.
The ministry said this would reduce friction and provide a faster and secure login experience.
The DoT has also advised operators to offer sachet-style Wi-Fi validity plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes.
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These short-duration plans are aimed at users who need brief internet access at public locations such as transit hubs and malls.
The ministry said the flexible plans would improve affordability for commuters and students, while also helping operators increase revenue and hotspot utilisation.
The third major change relates to standardised hotspot identification. PM-WANI hotspot names, or SSIDs, will now carry PMWANI branding to help users identify genuine networks more easily and improve reliability across the public Wi-Fi ecosystem.
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said PM-WANI is a platform for universal public Wi-Fi access and the government is making it easier to use.
“QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes for users who need brief internet access,” he said.
He said public Wi-Fi is emerging as an important public utility in the digital era, supporting students, travellers, commuters, professionals and small businesses across the country.
Launched under the Digital India initiative, PM-WANI is designed to provide scalable and affordable internet access through a distributed ecosystem of Public Data Offices, Public Data Office Aggregators and app providers.
The latest reforms are aimed at improving accessibility, interoperability, ease of use and citizen adoption of public Wi-Fi services.
The ministry said the PM-WANI ecosystem is undergoing a comprehensive transformation under the leadership of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Pemmasani has also held review meetings with department officials and stakeholders to speed up implementation and improve user experience.
