WIOM: Bridging the Digital Divide with Affordable Internet Access
WIOM is transforming internet access for middle and lower-middle-income households by leveraging India’s PM-WANI scheme, aiming for significant growth and widespread connectivity.
WIOM, a tech startup founded in 2015 by Mishra, Satyam Darmora, Nishit Aggarwal, and Maanas Dwivedi, initially started as i2e1, offering high-speed internet to offline retailers and cafes for just INR 5. The company pivoted after the launch of the PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme in 2020 and rebranded to WIOM in 2021. The PM-WANI scheme aims to improve internet connectivity across India by establishing public Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling more people to access the internet at affordable rates.
Recent Funding and Growth
WIOM has raised $17 million (INR 140 Cr) in its Series A funding round led by RTP Global in July 2023, bringing its total funding to $55 million. The company has received backing from investors like YourNest, Omidyar Network India, Global Brain, Blume Founders Fund, Stride Ventures, and 100Unicorns.
- Series A Funding: WIOM raised INR 140 Cr in its Series A round in July 2023.
- Total Funding: To date, the company has raised $55 million in total.
- Investor Support: WIOM’s backers include well-known venture funds and networks.
Providing Affordable Internet Access
WIOM’s core mission is to provide affordable and unlimited internet to middle and lower-middle-income households across urban and rural centers. The startup uses a platform-led distribution model under the PM-WANI scheme, which enables it to reach a large section of the population through Wi-Fi hotspots.
- PM-WANI Model: WIOM leverages the PM-WANI scheme for expanding affordable internet access.
- Target Audience: Focused on middle and lower-middle-income households in both urban and rural areas.
WIOM aggregates internet operators and partners with them to offer services through over 70,000 Wi-Fi hotspots. The company operates on a revenue-sharing model with local internet providers, enabling it to offer low-cost plans ranging from INR 4 to INR 16 for unlimited data over two-day periods.
- Wi-Fi Hotspots: Over 70,000 hotspots are part of WIOM’s network.
- Affordable Plans: Data plans are priced between INR 4 and INR 16 for two-day access.
Future Goals and Expansion Plans
WIOM has ambitious expansion goals and aims to reach 5 crore homes and 50 crore users in the next five years. This vision aligns with the company’s mission to make internet access widely available and affordable to underserved populations.
- Growth Target: WIOM plans to reach 5 crore homes and 50 crore users by 2028.
- Expansion Strategy: The focus is on scaling its services across both urban and rural areas.
WIOM’s innovative model, coupled with its backing from prominent investors, positions it as a key player in India’s internet revolution, helping bridge the digital divide and enabling broader access to high-speed internet across the nation.
