To apply for participation in the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme, you need to follow a simple and registration-based process. There are three main roles you can apply for under the scheme:
Join WhatsApp Group- Public Data Office (PDO) – Provides Wi-Fi services.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) – Manages multiple PDOs.
- App Provider – Creates apps to help users discover and access PM-WANI hotspots.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying:
Step-by-Step Process to Apply as a PDO or PDOA
- Visit the Official PM-WANI Registration Portal:
- Access the PM-WANI registration system managed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).
- Choose the Role You Want to Apply For:
- Select whether you want to register as a PDO, PDOA, or App Provider.
- Fill in the Registration Form:
- Provide required details such as:
- Name of individual/organization
- Business address and contact information
- Technical and infrastructure details (if any)
- KYC documents (like PAN, Aadhaar, or company registration)
- Provide required details such as:
- Upload Required Documents:
- Basic KYC documentation
- Business identity proof (for PDOA and App Providers)
- No license is needed for PDOs — registration is free.
- Submit the Application:
- After filling out the form and uploading documents, submit the application for review.
- Approval and Activation:
- Once verified, you will be registered and given access credentials.
- For PDOs, you can start offering Wi-Fi services using a PDOA platform.
Requirements for PDOs
- A small business (e.g., a shop, café, or kiosk)
- A Wi-Fi router or hotspot device
- A broadband connection (from any licensed ISP)
- Registration with a PDOA (for user authentication and billing, if any)
Requirements for App Providers
- Ability to develop and maintain a mobile app
- App must allow users to locate and connect to PM-WANI hotspots
- Register the app with C-DOT to integrate with the PM-WANI framework
Requirements for PDOAs
- Should be able to support multiple PDOs
- Handle user authentication, accounting, and customer management
- Register with the central registry and ensure compliance with guidelines
Time and Cost
- No license or fee is required for registration.
- Approval usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the completeness of the application.
