Nearly two years after it was launched, the government has been able to activate only 132,000 hotspots as part of the Prime Minister’s WiFi Access Network Interface PM-WANI). The scheme is central to the government’s plans to create up to 10 million public WiFi hotspots in India by the end of this year.
However, lack of interest in many areas, primarily due to low financial incentives, has contributed to the hesitancy in adopting the scheme, say officials apprised of the situation.
On the other hand, the sluggish pace of migrating WiFi hotspots to the PMWANI network by state-run entities, such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam BSNL) and the Indian Railways, has also impeded progress, they add.
Aiming at massively expanding the public WiFi network in the country and providing low-cost mass digital connectivity to the underserved in rural areas and the urban poor, the flagship scheme was launched by the Department of Telecommunications DoT) in December 2020.
This story is from the November 30, 2022 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 30, 2022 edition of Business Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IT JUST AIN'T CRICKET
Why cricketers and other sportspersons, unlike film stars, do not win much in the political arena
Bring transparency in student visa processing: India to Canada
New Delhi expresses concern on high tariffs imposed by Canada in sectors like textile, apparel,etc.
Festival season may not add zing to portfolios
Expect little action in auto stocks in months ahead: Analysts
Havells'valuation factors in gains from demand, expansion
The consumer durables sector has seen buoyant demand in August after a slowdown in July.
As Sebi deadline looms, FPIs seek extension to liquidate assets
Deadline to not have holdings beyond specified thresholds ends on Monday
Congress fires fresh salvo at Sebi chief over rental income
The Congress on Friday levelled fresh allegations against chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Madhabi Puri Buch, claiming that she received rental income from an entity affiliated with a company the market regulator was probing for various violations, including insider trading.
SBI, Vi and Indus stocks tank after Goldman Sachs 'sell' call
Airtel outperforms as the US-based brokerage reiterates 'buy', increases target price
What a Trump victory would mean for the US economy
The US presidential election in November is critical for many reasons.
We, the prickly people
You can still put words in Indira Gandhi's mouth and get away with it. But if you garnish your pretence of fact with so much fiction, you might end up messing with Bhindranwale
Friendless in the neighbourhood
The ignominious end to Sheikh Hasina's long tenure as Bangladesh's Prime Minister has left the country's future uncertain.
