The government is preparing to launch a new and advanced public Wi-Fi system, learning from the failure of PM-WANI. The objective of this new system is to improve user experience and make digital payments more secure. Now users will not need a separate OTP for every hotspot. Users will be able to login with a single OTP or password across 4 lakh hotspots spread across the country. The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper and invited suggestions from people. Standards like ‘Wi-Fi Protected Access 3’ will be implemented to make public Wi-Fi secure. This will provide additional security cover for secure UPI and digital payments even in crowded areas. Creating a revenue model is the objective According to the paper, the existing Wi-Fi system did not work because it did not become a user necessity. Also, it did not generate revenue for operators. Therefore, the government wants to make the proposed Wi-Fi system a revenue model for operators. For this, options like advertisement-based model, paid plans and subsidy (viability gap funding) will be provided. ‘Community Wi-Fi’ model will be implemented High-speed internet in cities and low-cost ‘Community Wi-Fi’ model will be implemented in villages. Out of the country’s population of 140 crores, currently only 2% people use public Wi-Fi. In South Korea 80%, in America 70%, in Europe-China 60% and in England 50% of the population uses public Wi-Fi. This new framework proposed by TRAI will not only increase internet access, but will also reduce the growing data pressure on mobile networks. Cheap internet will strengthen digital infrastructure According to former BSNL Chairman Arun Srivastava, this not only improves the quality of connectivity, but also strengthens digital infrastructure by providing cheap internet, especially for those who cannot afford expensive data plans. He said that Wi-Fi provides a better option for high-data usage such as video, cloud and AI-based services. It is also essential for access to services like e-governance.
