PM WANI Yojana 2026: Eligibility, Apply Online, Application Status & Important Dates

The PM WANI Yojana, which stands for Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, was officially launched by the Government of India on December 9, 2020, under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The scheme was introduced to take forward the goals defined under the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 (NDCP). The main goal of this scheme is to create a large-scale network of public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country and provide affordable, high-speed internet connectivity to the common people, especially in rural and remote areas. Under this scheme, any small shop owner, entrepreneur, or company can set up a Wi-Fi hotspot and provide internet services without needing a telecom license.

As of 2026, there are approximately 201 active Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOA), 111 active App Providers, and over 2,46,862 deployed Wi-Fi hotspots registered under the PM WANI scheme. The scheme operates through a SARALSANCHAR portal at saralsanchar.gov.in and a Central Registry at pmwani.gov.in. The registration process is completed within 7 working days of receiving the application, and there is no license fee, no master franchise fee, and no territory restriction for registered entities.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the PM WANI Yojana. We will cover the eligibility criteria, how to apply online, how to check your application status, the important dates, required documents, benefits, selection process, and much more. Whether you are a small shop owner, a tech entrepreneur, a company looking to provide Wi-Fi services, or someone interested in affordable internet access, this guide will help you understand the scheme in a simple and clear way. Read on to find all the details step by step.

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Table of Contents

Overview of PM WANI Yojana

The PM WANI Yojana is one of the most innovative schemes for digital connectivity in India. It is designed to democratize broadband access by allowing small businesses, shop owners, and entrepreneurs to become public Wi-Fi providers without needing expensive telecom licenses. The scheme creates an ecosystem where Public Data Offices (PDOs) set up Wi-Fi hotspots, Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOA) manage multiple PDOs, App Providers develop apps to help users discover hotspots, and the Central Registry maintains all registrations. The scheme aims to provide affordable internet at just Rs. 100 for 100 Mbps in many locations, making it one of the cheapest internet options available.

Overview Table

Detail	Information
Scheme Name	Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM WANI)
Launched By	Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India
Launch Date	December 9, 2020
Framework Guideline	WANI Framework Guideline dated November 12, 2020
Architecture Specifications	Dated February 18, 2021
Active PDO Aggregators	201
Active App Providers	111
Deployed Wi-Fi Hotspots	2,46,862+
Registration Portal	SARALSANCHAR (saralsanchar.gov.in)
Central Registry	pmwani.gov.in
Registration Time	Within 7 working days
License Fee	None
Master Franchise Fee	None
Territory Restriction	None (Pan India operation)
Application Mode	Online through SARALSANCHAR portal
Official Website	pmwani.gov.in
SARALSANCHAR Portal	saralsanchar.gov.in

Key Features of PM WANI Yojana

The PM WANI Yojana comes with several important features that make it a great opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Here are the key features:

No License Required: PDOs do not need to register with DoT. Only PDOAs and App Providers need registration.
No Registration Fee: The PM WANI registration is completely free of cost for PDOAs and App Providers.
No Territory Restriction: Once registered, entities can operate anywhere in India on a Pan India basis.
No Master Franchise Fee: Unlike other telecom models, there is no franchise fee to pay.
Quick Registration: Registration certificate is issued within 7 working days of application.
Made in India Technology: Registered entities must use only Indian-made Wi-Fi access points and technology.
Revenue Sharing Model: PDOs can earn income through a revenue-sharing arrangement with PDOA platforms.
Affordable Internet for Users: Internet available at very low rates, approximately Rs. 100 for 100 Mbps.
Boost to Digital India: Supports the government’s Digital India vision by expanding internet access.
Employment Generation: Creates new income opportunities for small shop owners and rural entrepreneurs.

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Objectives of PM WANI Yojana

The PM WANI Yojana has been designed with clear and focused objectives to improve digital connectivity across India. Here are the main objectives:

To proliferate broadband access through public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.
To provide affordable and high-speed internet connectivity in rural and remote areas.
To encourage small and micro entrepreneurs to become Wi-Fi service providers.
To unbundle the Wi-Fi ecosystem and create a robust digital communication infrastructure.
To boost the usage of internet services and promote the idea of a Digital India.
To generate employment and increase disposable income for small business owners.
To reduce the digital divide between urban and rural populations.
To support the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018 goals.
To create a competitive market for internet services with lower prices for consumers.
To enable last-mile connectivity through distributed public Wi-Fi networks.

Eligibility Criteria of PM WANI Yojana

Before applying for the PM WANI Yojana, it is very important to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The scheme has different eligibility requirements for different types of entities. Here are the eligibility requirements:

For Public Data Office (PDO)

Any individual, shop owner, or small business can become a PDO.
No registration with DoT is required for PDOs.
Must have a broadband internet connection from a licensed ISP.
Must agree to establish, maintain, and operate only WANI-compliant Wi-Fi access points.
Must share KYC details at the time of registration with the PDOA.

For Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA)

Must be a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
Must have infrastructure to manage multiple PDOs.
Must maintain basic internet equipment and technical capability.
Must develop a user-friendly application for managing hotspots.
Must submit data to the Department of Telecommunications as required.
Must comply with FDI guidelines for the telecommunication sector.
Must have a valid Corporate Identification Number (CIN).
Must have adequate net worth and paid-up capital.

For App Provider

Any registered company, startup, or established firm can apply.
Must develop an app to register users and discover WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots.
Must register with DoT through the SARALSANCHAR portal.
Must comply with the PM WANI framework guidelines and architecture specifications.

General Eligibility

Entities must use only Made in India technology and Wi-Fi access points.
Foreign nationals must obtain MHA Clearance (Ministry of Home Affairs).
The entity should not have any criminal record or security concerns.
The Department of Telecommunications reserves the right to suspend registration if security is compromised.

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Benefits of PM WANI Yojana

The PM WANI Yojana offers a wide range of benefits to PDOs, PDOAs, App Providers, and the general public. These benefits are designed to create a thriving ecosystem for affordable internet access in India.

Benefits for PDOs (Public Data Offices)

New Income Source: Small shop owners can earn extra income by providing Wi-Fi services.
No License Needed: No need to obtain expensive telecom licenses or pay heavy fees.
Revenue Sharing: PDOs receive a share of revenue from the PDOA platform (typically around 40%).
Low Investment: Only requires a broadband connection and a WANI-compliant Wi-Fi access point.
Customer Attraction: Offering free or cheap Wi-Fi can attract more customers to the shop.

Benefits for PDOAs (Public Data Office Aggregators)

Pan India Operation: Once registered, can operate across the entire country without territory restrictions.
No Master Franchise Fee: No need to pay franchise fees to anyone.
Scalable Business Model: Can aggregate thousands of PDOs under one platform.
Government Support: Backed by the Department of Telecommunications with clear guidelines.
Quick Registration: Certificate issued within 7 working days.

Benefits for App Providers

Large User Base: Access to millions of potential users looking for affordable Wi-Fi.
Revenue from Data: Can earn through user subscriptions and data pack sales.
No License Barriers: Easy entry into the digital services market.
Pan India Reach: Can serve users across all states and union territories.

Benefits for the Public

Affordable Internet: Internet available at very low rates compared to mobile data.
Rural Connectivity: Better internet access in villages and remote areas.
Digital Inclusion: Helps students, farmers, and small businesses access online services.
No Long-Term Contracts: Pay-as-you-go model with no binding contracts.

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Application Procedure of PM WANI Yojana

The application process for the PM WANI Yojana is done online through the SARALSANCHAR portal. Here are the detailed steps for different types of applicants:

Online Application Process for PDOA and App Providers

Visit the official SARALSANCHAR portal at saralsanchar.gov.in.
Register your company, individual proprietorship, or partnership firm on the portal.
Complete the Simplified Application for Registration and Licenses (SARAL) process.
Navigate to the PM WANI section and click on “Apply Now”.
Fill out Annexure C — the Application Form for registration of PDOA/App Provider.
Enter all company information including name, address, CIN, PAN, and contact details.
Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.
Provide details of equity structure, board resolution, and authorized representative.
Submit the application and note down the Application Reference Number.
The Local Service Area (LSA) office will scrutinize your application within 7 working days.
Upon successful verification, the Registration Certificate will be issued.
After registration, get your system or application software certified under the Central Registry handled by C-DoT (Centre for Development of Telematics).

Online Application Process for PDOs (Public Data Offices)

Visit a PDOA platform website such as waniwifi.in or any registered PDOA portal.
Click on “Become a PDO” or “PDO Registration”.
Enter your mobile number, name, business category, and installation address.
Provide your city, pin code, state, and email ID.
Confirm whether you have a broadband internet connection.
Agree to the terms and conditions including:
Establishing only WANI-compliant Wi-Fi access points
Connecting to licensed ISPs for internet services
Abiding by Central and State Government rules
Accepting the PDOA platform’s revenue-sharing model (typically 60% to PDOA, 40% to PDO)
Sharing KYC details at registration
Submit the registration form.
The PDOA will verify your details and activate your hotspot.

Offline Application Process

Currently, there is no dedicated offline application process for the PM WANI Yojana. All registrations for PDOAs and App Providers must be done online through the SARALSANCHAR portal. However, PDOs can register offline by contacting their nearest PDOA representative or visiting local Common Service Centres (CSC) for assistance with online registration. The Department of Telecommunications also provides user manuals and guides on the official portal to help applicants with the online process.

Important Dates of PM WANI Yojana

The PM WANI Yojana operates on a continuous basis since its launch. However, applicants should be aware of the general timeline and check the official portals regularly for updates.

Event	Date/Period
Scheme Launch Date	December 9, 2020
Framework Guideline Release	November 12, 2020
Architecture Specifications Release	February 18, 2021
Application Start Date	Open throughout the year
Registration Processing Time	Within 7 working days of application
Central Registry Certification	After successful DoT registration
PDO Activation Time	Within a few days of PDOA verification
Scheme Ongoing Status	Active and accepting new registrations as of 2026

Note: The scheme is an ongoing initiative with no fixed deadline. PDOAs and App Providers can apply anytime through the SARALSANCHAR portal. PDOs can register with any active PDOA platform at any time. Always check the official websites pmwani.gov.in and saralsanchar.gov.in for the latest updates and announcements from the Department of Telecommunications.

Documents Required to Apply for PM WANI Yojana

Applicants must keep all necessary documents ready before starting the online registration process. Here is the complete list of required documents:

For PDOA Registration

Company’s Certificate of Incorporation (under Companies Act, 2013)
Company’s PAN Card
Corporate Identification Number (CIN)
Articles of Association (AOA) and Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Address Proof of the Business (rent agreement, utility bill, or ownership document)
Equity Details Certificate (showing shareholding pattern)
Net Worth Certificate (from a chartered accountant)
Paid-up Capital Certificate
MHA Clearance (for foreign nationals or foreign equity holders)
Power of Attorney (for authorized representative)
Identification Proof of Authorized Representative (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport)
Copy of Board Resolution (authorizing the application for PM WANI registration)

For App Provider Registration

Company Registration Certificate
PAN Card of the Company
Details of Equity and Shareholding
Board Resolution authorizing the application
Address Proof of Registered Office
Application Software Details for Central Registry certification

For PDO Registration

Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or PAN Card)
Address Proof (ration card, electricity bill, or rent agreement)
Banking Details (passbook or cancelled cheque for revenue sharing)
Broadband Connection Proof (ISP bill or connection receipt)
Shop/Business Registration (if applicable)

How to Check Application Status of PM WANI Yojana

After submitting your application, you can check the status through official channels. Here is the step-by-step process:

Visit the official SARALSANCHAR portal at saralsanchar.gov.in.
Log in to your account using your User ID and Password.
Navigate to the “Track Application” or “Application Status” section.
Enter your Application Reference Number in the provided field.
Click on the “Check Status” or “Search” button.
Your current application status will be displayed on the screen.
The status may show as: Submitted, Under Verification, Approved, Rejected, or Certificate Issued.
If approved, you will see details about the next steps like Central Registry certification.
You can also check the status by contacting the Local Service Area (LSA) office of DoT.
For PDO registration status, log in to your PDOA platform dashboard (e.g., waniwifi.in).
Download the status report or certificate if available for your records.
If your status shows rejected, read the reason carefully and reapply after correcting the issues.

Application Fee and Scheme Fee

The PM WANI Yojana is designed to be a zero-cost entry scheme for all types of applicants. Here are the important points regarding fees:

No Application Fee: There is absolutely no fee to apply for PM WANI registration through the SARALSANCHAR portal.
No Registration Fee: Creating an account and submitting the application is completely free.
No License Fee: Unlike traditional telecom licenses, PM WANI does not require any license fee.
No Master Franchise Fee: PDOAs do not need to pay any franchise fee to operate.
No Processing Fee: Application verification and certificate issuance do not require any payment.
No Hidden Charges: The government has made it clear that no money should be paid to any agent or middleman.
PDO Investment: PDOs only need to invest in a WANI-compliant Wi-Fi access point and maintain a broadband connection.
PDOA Infrastructure Cost: PDOAs need to invest in their own infrastructure to manage multiple PDOs, but this is a business investment, not a government fee.
Central Registry Certification: Certification under the Central Registry by C-DoT is part of the registration process and does not involve additional fees.
Beware of Fraud: Applicants should never pay money to any agent claiming to fast-track their registration. Always apply directly through the official SARALSANCHAR portal.

Latest Updates of PM WANI Yojana

The PM WANI Yojana has seen several important updates in 2025-2026. Here are the latest developments:

2,46,862+ Hotspots Deployed: The number of active Wi-Fi hotspots under PM WANI has crossed 2.46 lakh across India.
201 Active PDO Aggregators: The ecosystem now has 201 active PDOAs managing thousands of hotspots.
111 Active App Providers: Multiple apps are now available for users to discover and connect to PM WANI hotspots.
Made in India Mandate: The government continues to emphasize the use of Indian-made Wi-Fi access points and technology.
Revenue Sharing Models: Various PDOA platforms have established revenue-sharing models, with PDOs typically receiving 40% of usage revenue.
Rural Focus: Special emphasis on expanding PM WANI hotspots in rural and remote areas to bridge the digital divide.
User-Friendly Apps: New apps have been developed to make it easier for users to find nearby hotspots and purchase data packs.
NSWS Integration: The scheme is also accessible through the National Single Window System (NSWS) at nsws.gov.in for streamlined approvals.
No Fee Reminder: The Department of Telecommunications continues to remind applicants that registration is completely free and warns against fraudulent agents.
Ongoing Expansion: The scheme remains active and is continuously expanding with new PDOs, PDOAs, and App Providers joining the ecosystem.

Selection Process of PM WANI Yojana

The selection and registration process under the PM WANI Yojana follows a transparent and systematic approach:

Online Application Submission: All applications for PDOA and App Provider are received through the SARALSANCHAR portal.
Document Verification: The Local Service Area (LSA) office of DoT verifies all uploaded documents for completeness and authenticity.
Company Background Check: The DoT checks the company’s registration, financial capacity, and compliance with FDI guidelines.
Security Clearance: For foreign nationals or companies with foreign equity, MHA clearance is verified.
Technical Capability Assessment: PDOAs are assessed for their ability to manage multiple PDOs and maintain technical infrastructure.
Registration Certificate Issuance: Upon successful verification, the LSA issues the registration certificate within 7 working days.
Central Registry Certification: After DoT registration, PDOAs and App Providers must get their software certified under the Central Registry managed by C-DoT.
PDO Verification: PDOs are verified by their respective PDOA platforms before activation.
Ongoing Monitoring: The DoT reserves the right to suspend registration if any entity interferes with state security or violates guidelines.
Pan India Authorization: Once registered and certified, entities can operate across the entire country.

Common Mistakes While Applying

Many applicants make simple mistakes that lead to registration delays or rejection. Here are the common mistakes to avoid:

Entering wrong company name or CIN during registration.
Uploading blurred or unclear document images.
Not providing a valid board resolution authorizing the application.
Failing to mention foreign equity or not obtaining MHA clearance.
Providing incorrect address proof that does not match the registered office.
Not having adequate net worth or paid-up capital as required for PDOAs.
Applying as a PDOA without having infrastructure to manage multiple PDOs.
Not using Made in India technology for Wi-Fi access points.
Paying money to fake agents instead of applying directly through SARALSANCHAR.
Not saving the Application Reference Number for future status checking.

Reasons for Application Rejection

Applications for the PM WANI Yojana may be rejected for the following reasons:

The company is not registered under the Companies Act, 2013 (for PDOAs).
Fake or mismatched documents uploaded with the application.
Insufficient net worth or paid-up capital for PDOA applicants.
Failure to obtain MHA clearance for foreign nationals or foreign equity holders.
The company does not have technical capability to manage PDOs or develop apps.
Incorrect or incomplete information in the application form.
Security concerns raised by the Department of Telecommunications.
The applicant has a criminal record or is involved in fraudulent activities.
Non-compliance with FDI guidelines for the telecommunication sector.
Failure to submit the required board resolution or authorized representative details.

Portal Registration and Login Process

The PM WANI Yojana applications are processed through the SARALSANCHAR portal and the PM-WANI Central Registry.

How to Register on the SARALSANCHAR Portal

Go to saralsanchar.gov.in.
Click on “New User Registration” or “Register”.
Enter your name, email ID, mobile number, and company details.
Verify your mobile number and email using the OTP received.
Create a User ID and Password for future logins.
Complete your profile with address, business, and contact information.
Your registration is now complete.

How to Login to the SARALSANCHAR Portal

Visit saralsanchar.gov.in and click on “Login”.
Enter your User ID and Password.
Complete the CAPTCHA verification if required.
Click “Sign In” to access your dashboard.
From the dashboard, you can apply for PM WANI registration, check status, and download certificates.

PM-WANI Central Registry

Visit pmwani.gov.in for Central Registry certification.
After DoT registration, submit your application software for certification.
The Central Registry, managed by C-DoT, certifies your system for interoperability with the PM WANI ecosystem.

Reset and Forget Password Process

If you forget your login password, you can reset it easily through the SARALSANCHAR portal:

Go to the login page of saralsanchar.gov.in.
Click on the “Forgot Password” link.
Enter your registered email ID or User ID.
An email will be sent to you with instructions for the next steps.
Follow the link in the email to create a new password.
Log in again using your User ID and the new password.
If you forget your User ID, contact the SARALSANCHAR helpline with your registered mobile number and company details for recovery.

Grievance Redressal Process

If you face any issue or have a complaint regarding the PM WANI Yojana, you can use the following grievance redressal channels:

Department of Telecommunications (DoT): Contact through the official website or your nearest LSA office.
SARALSANCHAR Portal Support: Use the portal’s helpdesk or contact form for technical issues.
NSWS Portal: For approval-related grievances, use the National Single Window System at nsws.gov.in.
PDOA Platform Support: For PDO-related issues, contact your respective PDOA platform’s customer support.
Email Support: Send your grievance to the DoT’s official email with your registration number and issue details.
Local Service Area (LSA) Office: Visit your nearest DoT LSA office for face-to-face assistance.
App Provider Support: For app-related issues, contact the App Provider’s support team.
Always keep your Registration Certificate Number, Application Reference ID, and registered contact information ready when filing a complaint for faster resolution.

Renewal Process

The PM WANI Yojana registration is generally valid for the operational period of the entity. However, certain ongoing processes apply:

Registration Validity: The PM WANI registration certificate remains valid as long as the entity complies with DoT guidelines.
Annual Compliance: PDOAs and App Providers must maintain compliance with data submission requirements to DoT.
Central Registry Updates: Any changes in software or application must be re-certified under the Central Registry.
PDO Agreement Renewal: PDOs may need to renew their agreement with the PDOA platform periodically.
KYC Updates: PDOs must update their KYC details if there are any changes in ownership or banking information.
Suspension and Reinstatement: If registration is suspended due to non-compliance, entities can apply for reinstatement after rectifying the issues.
Keep checking the official portal for any announcements regarding registration renewal or updated compliance requirements.

Important Links and PDFs of the Scheme

Here are the most important official links for the PM WANI Yojana:

Description	Link
PM-WANI Central Registry	pmwani.gov.in
SARALSANCHAR Portal	saralsanchar.gov.in
User Manual for PM WANI Registration	saralsanchar.gov.in/circular/wani/wani_user_manual.pdf
WANI Framework Guideline (Nov 12, 2020)	Available on saralsanchar.gov.in
Architecture and Specifications (Feb 18, 2021)	Available on saralsanchar.gov.in
NSWS Portal (PM WANI Approval)	nsws.gov.in/portal/approval-details/ministry-of-communications/department-of-telecommunications/pm-wani
DoT Official Website	dot.gov.in
C-DoT (Central Registry)	cdot.in
MyScheme Portal	myscheme.gov.in

Contact Information of the Scheme

If you need any help or have questions about the PM WANI Yojana, you can use the following contact details:

Department of Telecommunications (DoT): Sanchar Bhawan, 20 Ashoka Road, New Delhi – 110001
Official Website: dot.gov.in
SARALSANCHAR Portal: saralsanchar.gov.in
PM-WANI Central Registry: pmwani.gov.in
NSWS Portal: nsws.gov.in
Local Service Area (LSA) Offices: Available in all states and union territories for local assistance
C-DoT (Central Registry Support): cdot.in
PDOA Platform Support: Contact your respective PDOA platform (e.g., waniwifi.in) for PDO-related queries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is PM WANI Yojana?

PM WANI Yojana stands for Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface. It is a government scheme launched on December 9, 2020, to create a large network of public Wi-Fi hotspots across India and provide affordable internet access.

Who can apply for PM WANI Yojana?

Small shop owners can become PDOs without registration. Companies can register as PDOAs or App Providers through the SARALSANCHAR portal. Any registered company, startup, or firm can apply.

How much does it cost to register under PM WANI Yojana?

The registration is completely free. There is no license fee, no registration fee, and no master franchise fee.

What is the official website for PM WANI Yojana?

The official websites are pmwani.gov.in (Central Registry) and saralsanchar.gov.in (Registration Portal).

How long does it take to get the registration certificate?

The registration certificate is issued within 7 working days of receiving the application.

Can I operate anywhere in India after registration?

Yes, once registered, PDOAs and App Providers can operate on a Pan India basis without any territory restrictions.

What documents are required for PDOA registration?

You need Certificate of Incorporation, PAN Card, CIN, MOA/AOA, Address Proof, Net Worth Certificate, Board Resolution, and Identity Proof of Authorized Representative.

Do I need a telecom license to become a PDO?

No, PDOs do not need any telecom license or registration with DoT. They only need a broadband connection and a WANI-compliant Wi-Fi access point.

How can I check my PM WANI application status?

Log in to the SARALSANCHAR portal, go to the Track Application section, and enter your Application Reference Number to check the status.

What is the helpline for PM WANI Yojana?

You can contact the Department of Telecommunications through dot.gov.in or visit your nearest Local Service Area (LSA) office for assistance.