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Cabinet nod for public WiFi networks
Why is it in news?
- The Union Cabinet approved a proposal for setting up public WiFi hotspots across the country via public data offices or PDOs.
Details:
- The extent of the public wifi networks could even include kirana shop or a paan shop.
- Aim is to help accelerate the uptake of broadband Internet services, will not require the PDOs to get a license or pay a fee.
- PDOs- comparable to a PCO or a cybercafe, will establish, maintain, and operate WiFi access points and deliver broadband services to subscribers.
- PDOAs will be aggregators of PDOs and perform functions such as authorisation and accounting.
PM-WANI:
- The public WiFi Access Network Interface will be called ‘PM-WANI’.
- PM-WANI was first recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in 2017.
- This will involve multiple players, including PDOs, Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOA), app providers, and a central registry.