Govt to set up 1 cr data centres, to launch massive Wi-Fi networks called PM-Wani in India

[socrates]

Govt to set up 1 cr data centres, to launch massive Wi-Fi networks in India

'There will be no licence, fee or registration for it, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.The Union Minister also said that the proposal will promote growth of public Wi-Fi networks in the country

www.livemint.com

I wonder when it will get operational?

 

[Adithya]

I'm confused, is this public wifi or data centers for businesses interested in providing public wifi? It says no license fees (?) is it paid or free?

 

[socrates]

Yup it raises more questions than it answers

 

[Sai]

My rough understanding is as follows:

1. Govt through BSNL or Bharatnet and existing ISPs like Jio to give bulk bandwidth?.
2. Anyone can apply to be the system integrator or Public Data Office Aggregator by signing up at https://saralsanchar.gov.in/. No fees involved. Automatic approval within 7 days. These guys handle equipment installation and eKYC through apps?.
3. Kirana stores, tea shops or any building or entity can be public data offices. Here the Wi-Fi equipment of various capacity will be installed. PDO owners will get a revenue share.
4. Existing red tape to give the internet is gone?. All WiFi locations to be open in nature?. Anyone can join any network because govt is calling this PM Wani as the UPI of internet connectivity.
5. Nonetheless this kind of system will help even the farm labourers to get internet at affordable prices.

 

[shashankb]

The hope the project doesn't die as soon as it comes live like the Railway Station Wifi

 

[socrates]

I only hope the security angle is taken care of.

 

[alfaz_rayin]

I would be happy if even 1% is implemented. On paper, developed countries appear as developing compared to India. From where is Modi gonna bring the finance for this stuff? BSNL and MTNL are almost dead here.

 

[manu1991]

Just offer free data on BSNL, won't that achieve the same thing

 

[pachabhut]

revenue generation for jionet wifi???

 

[mate]

My rough understanding is as follows:

1. Govt through BSNL or Bharatnet and existing ISPs like Jio to give bulk bandwidth?.
2. Anyone can apply to be the system integrator or Public Data Office Aggregator by signing up at https://saralsanchar.gov.in/. No fees involved. Automatic approval within 7 days. These guys handle equipment installation and eKYC through apps?.
3. Kirana stores, tea shops or any building or entity can be public data offices. Here the Wi-Fi equipment of various capacity will be installed. PDO owners will get a revenue share.
4. Existing red tape to give the internet is gone?. All WiFi locations to be open in nature?. Anyone can join any network because govt is calling this PM Wani as the UPI of internet connectivity.
5. Nonetheless this kind of system will help even the farm labourers to get internet at affordable prices.

Well explained
This is like the LCO model but on a massive scale. Also, to access the network, there will be a common portal where the user will have to complete KYC by furnishing AADHAR details. PDO(Public Data office) is like PCO-Public Call Office(landline). Anyone with minimal capital can set up the terminal network infra and connect to the fiber backbone.
All the existing and future Fiber network across ISPs will be used(depends on the Telecom company's choice) Eg - JioNet, Bharatnet. Telcos will be interested as no one company has robust infra in all regions.
ISPs will get much needed revenue, users will get internet access at low rates(even cheaper than 4G) and government will be able to ensure digital services for all.
Everyone wins.