PM-WANI Will Empower Small Businesses In India: IAMAI

The Internet and Mobile Association of India [IAMAI] has welcomed the proposal of DoT for setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide public Wi-Fi service through Public Data Offices (PDOs) in India. This, according to IAMAI will accelerate the adoption of Broadband Internet services through Public Wi-Fi network in the country.

IAMAI has said that the move will provide the much needed fillip to promote the growth of Public Wi-Fi Networks in the country, which in turn, will help in proliferation of Broadband Internet, enhancement of income and employment and empowerment of people.  

According to the India Internet Report by IAMAI and Nielsen, there are close to 227 million internet users in rural India, which is approximately 10% more than those in urban. However, there is immense headroom for growth in rural India. According to IAMAI, PM-WANI will provide the necessary push for further proliferation of internet adoption in Rural India over the next few years.

With no registration required for PDOs, PDOAs and App Providers, PM-WANI will be more business friendly and in line with efforts for ease of doing business.

Digital Services have assumed great importance for India with the Government actively promoting a vision of $1 Tn digital economy.  IAMAI stated that the ongoing growth of internet penetration in India provides a critical platform for all stakeholders to harness the digital revolution. The association expressed optimism that initiatives like PAM-WANI will further strengthen the digital footprint in India and ensure a robust digital economy in the country.