The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) yesterday announced a major citizen-focused upgrade to the PM-WANI framework, introducing QR-based login for laptops, short-duration Wi-Fi plans and standardised hotspot names to make public internet access simpler and more accessible across the country.

The revamp, unveiled by the Communications Ministry on May 26, is aimed at strengthening India’s digital public infrastructure and improving ease of internet access under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) initiative. The measures include QR-based authentication for laptops and secondary devices, flexible Wi-Fi plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and standardisation of PM-WANI hotspot names or SSIDs for easier identification.

According to the official statement, all stakeholders in the PM-WANI ecosystem have been directed to implement the revised guidelines within eight weeks, making the new features operational across the ecosystem by July 2026.

Minister of State for Communications Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said, “PM-WANI is our platform for universal public Wi-Fi access — and we are making it easier to use.” He added, “QR-based login now lets you connect your laptop simply by scanning a code on your phone. We have also advised hotspot operators to offer short-duration plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes for users who need brief internet access.”

The ministry said the DoT will now permit QR-based authentication for secondary devices such as laptops, enabling users to connect by scanning a QR code on the login page using an authenticated smartphone app. The move is expected to reduce login friction and provide a faster and more secure access experience.

To support users at public locations such as transit hubs and malls, operators have also been advised to introduce sachet-style validity plans of 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The ministry said these plans are expected to improve affordability for commuters and students while also boosting hotspot utilisation and operator revenues.

The statement added that hotspot identification will now be standardised with PM-WANI branding to help users identify authentic networks more easily.

The government said the reforms are part of continuing efforts to expand accessible and affordable digital connectivity and drive wider adoption of public Wi-Fi infrastructure under the Digital India initiative.

Meanwhile, an official statement put out by the Communications Ministry earlier this year on April 2, while referring to a Rajya Sabha answer, stated that as on February 28, 2026, a total of 4,09,403 Public Data Offices (PDOs)/public Wi-Fi hotspots were operational under the PM-WANI framework across States and Union Territories.

In addition, 207 Public Data Office Aggregators  and 113 app providers were registered under the scheme. A total of 2,44,67,896  internet users had accessed PM-WANI hotspots till February 28, 2026, consuming approximately 58.64 petabytes of data, according to the government.