Union Cabinet approves setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office

The Samikhsya Bureau

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday has given its approval for the proposal of Department of Telecommunication (DoT) for setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs).

The scheme is to provide public Wi-Fi service through Public Data Offices (PDOs) spread across length and breadth of the country.

Its objective is to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi network in the country.

There shall be no license fee for providing Broadband Internet through these public Wi-Fi networks.

The proposal will promote the growth of Public Wi-Fi Networks in the country and, in turn, will help in proliferation of Broadband Internet, enhancement of income and employment and empowerment of people, Ministry of Communications explained.

While no registration would be required for PDOs, PDOAs and App Providers will get themselves registered with DoT through online registration portal without paying any registration fee. Registration shall be granted within seven days of the application.

Further, the proliferation of public Wi-Fi will not only create employment but also enhance disposable incomes in the hands of small and medium entrepreneurs and boost the GDP of the country, the Ministry maintained.

Proliferation of Broadband Services through public Wi-Fi is a step towards digital India and consequential benefit thereon, it added.