The Union Cabinet approved the setting up of public Wi-Fi networks across the length and breadth of the country. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches submarine cable connectivity to Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI).
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What is Public Wi-Fi access network?
The public Wi-Fi access network interface or PM-WANI aims to improve wireless connectivity. It will be an eco-system operated by different players:
- Public Data Office (PDO): These units will establish, operate, and maintain only the WANI compliant Wi-Fi access points and will deliver broadband services to subscribers.
- Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): These units will be an aggregator of the PDOs and will perform the functions relating to authorization and accounting.
- App Provider: An application will be developed to register users and discover the WANI-compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby area and display them within the application for accessing internet service.
- Central Registry: A central registry will maintain the details of the app providers, PDOAs, as well as PDOs.
- This central registry will be maintained by C-DoT or Centre of Development for Telematics, a government-owned telecommunications technology development centre.
What is Submarine communications cable?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Chennai-Andaman and Nicobar Island Submarine Cable System, which will provide better connectivity to the archipelago.
- The foundation stone for the project was laid by PM Modi in December 2018 at Port Blair.
Key points:
- About 2,300 km of submarine optical fibre cable (OFC) has been laid at a cost of about Rs 1,224 crore to provide better connectivity in the UT.
- The project envisages better connectivity from Chennai to Port Blair and seven other Islands — Swaraj Deep (Havelock), Long Island, Rangat, Hutbay (Little Andaman), Kamorta, Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay (Great Nicobar).
- The project is funded by the government through the Universal Service Obligation Fund under the ministry of communications.
Who will benefit?
- Better connectivity in the region will facilitate the delivery of e-governance services such as telemedicine and tele-education.
- Small enterprises will benefit from opportunities in e-commerce, while educational institutions will utilise the enhanced availability of bandwidth for e-learning and knowledge sharing.
- Business Process Outsourcing services and other medium and large enterprises too also benefit from better connectivity.
- After the launch of the project by PM Modi, the internet bills in Andaman and Nicobar will also come down substantially.
- Ease of doing business: The scheme is expected to be more business-friendly and will be in line with efforts for ease of doing business.
- High-speed broadband internet service: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the delivery of high-speed broadband internet service. This can be done by the deployment of a public Wi-Fi network service.
- Economic development: The proliferation of a public Wi-Fi network will not only create employment but also enhance the disposable incomes in the hands of small and medium entrepreneurs, which is likely to boost the gross domestic product (GDP).