Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme
Recently RailTel has launched Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme based access for its Wi-Fi services.
RailTel has launched PM-WANI scheme based access to its public Wi-Fi services at 100 railway stations across 22 states. RailTel is a Mini Ratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways.
The Wi-Fi network can also be accessed through the mobile app “Wi-DOT” manufactured by RailTel and C-DOT.
PM-WANI has been launched by the Department of Telecommunications. It aims to provide broadband facility through public Wi-Fi hotspot providers. This will help in increasing the wireless internet connectivity in the country.
The PM-WANI system will be operated by the following different groups:
- Public Data Office (PDO): It will work only for setting up, maintaining and operating Wi-Fi service sites covered under PM-WANI. In addition, it will also provide broadband service to the consumers.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): It will perform the task of authentication of registered users and maintenance of accounting accounts.
- App Provider: It will develop the mobile app for the registered customers. In addition, PM-WANI will enter that information in the mobile app after ascertaining the availability of the service.
- Central Registry: It will be maintained by the Department of Telecommunications (c-DoT) at the initial level. This app will also hold the information of service providers, PDOS and PDOAS.
What is Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a wireless networking technology. It provides internet access to devices like desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, smart TVs, etc.
- It uses radio frequencies, or radio waves, in the 2.4GHz to 5GHz frequency band to establish communication between different devices.
Public Wi-Fi: These are Wi-Fi hotspots available in public places like airports, coffee shops, hotels, etc. It has free internet access.
Dangers associated with public Wi-Fi:
- Personal information can be stolen, there is a risk of man-in-the-middle attack (anyone else entering between the user and the device),
- The threat of malware distribution remains,
- There is also the danger of the existence of a source providing malicious hotspots etc.
Source – The Hindu
