PM-WANI upgrade: QR-based laptop login, 15/30/60-minute plans and standard hotspot names
The Department of Telecommunications has introduced user-friendly reforms to PM-WANI public Wi-Fi, including QR-based login for laptops, short 15, 30 and 60-minute plans and standardised hotspot names, announced on 26 May 2026.
Summary
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) introduced a set of reforms under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) framework, announced on 26 May 2026. They include QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and standardised PM-WANI hotspot names (SSIDs) for easier identification. The reforms were issued through DoT Circulars 1/PM-WANI/2026 and 2/PM-WANI/2026 dated 22 May 2026. All PM-WANI stakeholders must implement them within eight weeks, making the features operational by July 2026.
Key facts
- Framework
- PM-WANI (Prime Minister's Wi-Fi Access Network Interface)
- Issued by
- Department of Telecommunications
- New features
- QR login for laptops; 15/30/60-minute plans; standardised SSIDs
- Circulars
- 1/PM-WANI/2026 and 2/PM-WANI/2026, dated 22 May 2026
- Deadline
- Within eight weeks; operational by July 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the PM-WANI reforms announced in May 2026, flexible short-duration Wi-Fi plans of which durations have been introduced?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 15, 30 and 60 minutes
The DoT reforms introduce flexible short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes.
Within what period have PM-WANI stakeholders been directed to implement the revised guidelines issued by DoT on 22 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Eight weeks
Stakeholders must implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks from issuance, making the features operational by July 2026.