Gujarat launched a groundbreaking free Wi-Fi initiative on June 18, 2025, targeting 10,000 rural villages to enhance digital connectivity. Backed by the PM-WANI scheme, the program aims to empower rural communities with access to online education, telemedicine, and e-governance. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the project, emphasizing its role in fostering economic growth and digital inclusion across the state.
Gujarat Rolls Out Free Wi-Fi to Transform Rural Connectivity
On June 18, 2025, Gujarat took a significant step toward digital inclusion with the launch of a statewide free Wi-Fi initiative aimed at connecting 10,000 rural villages. The program, aligned with the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme, seeks to provide affordable and accessible internet to underserved areas, enabling access to critical services like online education, telemedicine, and e-governance platforms.
The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, who highlighted its potential to empower rural communities. “This is a transformative step toward making Gujarat a digitally inclusive state. By providing free Wi-Fi, we are equipping our rural citizens with tools for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities,” Patel said during the launch event.
The project leverages public-private partnerships to establish Wi-Fi hotspots through Public Data Offices (PDOs), primarily local shops and establishments, which require no licensing or registration fees. This approach ensures last-mile connectivity without burdening small entrepreneurs. According to the Gujarat government, the initiative targets 1 crore Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide by the end of 2025, with Gujarat aiming to contribute significantly to this goal.
In rural areas like Valsad, Navsari, and Kutch, where connectivity has been a longstanding challenge, the program is expected to revolutionize access to digital resources. For instance, students in remote villages can now access online learning platforms, while farmers can use e-marketplaces to sell produce directly. The state has also integrated the initiative with its G-SAFAL scheme, ensuring digital literacy training for rural women and marginalized groups.
The Gujarat government has allocated ₹500 crore for the first phase, with plans to expand coverage to 15,000 villages by 2027. Industry experts see this as a game-changer for rural economies, with potential to attract investments in e-commerce and agritech. However, challenges like infrastructure maintenance and cybersecurity remain, with officials assuring robust measures to address them.
The rollout has already begun in 2,000 villages, with PDOs operational in talukas like Palsana and Gariyadhar. Local residents have expressed enthusiasm, noting the immediate benefits of affordable internet access. The state aims to monitor the initiative’s impact through real-time data analytics, ensuring seamless connectivity and addressing gaps promptly.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from government announcements, industry sources, and media coverage available as of July 6, 2025. Information is subject to change as the initiative progresses.