India is advancing towards a future where Wi-Fi will be available across every corner of the country, as stated by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday. Speaking at a special conference organized by the Broadband India Forum (BIF) in observance of World Wi-Fi Day 2025, Scindia announced significant government initiatives aimed at establishing comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage that will foster growth in various sectors.
The minister highlighted a crucial policy reform: the delicensing of the 6GHz spectrum, which is expected to facilitate faster and more reliable internet access. “The relevant rules will be notified on or before Independence Day this year,” he noted. Scindia emphasized that the government’s role is shifting from merely a regulator to a facilitator, asserting that technology must be accessible to all, without favoring specific companies or technologies.
“This is a day to celebrate the freedom to connect, to create, and to rise. As adoption increases, costs decrease. Penetration is growing, even into rural heartlands,” he remarked. Currently, 5G use cases are being implemented across 13 villages, each receiving ten essential services. The goal, Scindia added, is to ensure that every Indian has access to high-speed internet, whether at home, work, or in remote areas.
The event attracted key policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts. BIF Chairperson Aruna Sundararajan highlighted the importance of Wi-Fi in realizing the government’s vision to connect the 40% of India’s population that remains offline. She pointed out that with over 80% of internet use occurring indoors, Wi-Fi networks-especially using the 6GHz band-are more effective than mobile networks in such environments.
“The delicensing of the 6GHz band will enable India to adopt modern technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. This transition is set to enhance areas such as augmented reality, cloud gaming, and 8K video streaming, marking significant progress towards improved user experience and innovation,” Sundararajan stated. The BIF reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives like PM-WANI and the delicensing of the 6GHz spectrum.
The forum believes these measures will empower every Wi-Fi hotspot as a crucial node for data access and processing, paving the way for faster and more inclusive digital growth throughout the country. Dr. R.S. Sharma, former TRAI Chairman, described PM-WANI as a visionary public Wi-Fi framework aimed at democratizing broadband access, likening it to the UPI in the telecom sector. “By establishing an open, secure, and interoperable framework, PM-WANI hotspots serve as digital doorways, enabling local entrepreneurs and ensuring last-mile internet access at scale. With low-cost infrastructure, public Wi-Fi can act as a digital equalizer, bridging the digital divide and empowering every citizen,” Sharma concluded.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/sci-and-tech/india-moves-towards-deeper-nationwide-wi-fi-coverage-jyotiraditya-scindia-1582275
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Publish Date: 2025-06-24 15:46:00
