Delhi-based internet startup Wiom has raised $40 million in a new funding round to scale its unique low-cost internet service in rural India. The round was led by Bertelsmann India Investments and Accel, with contributions from Prosus, Promaft Partners, and RTP Global.
This funding will help Wiom grow its product offerings, expand its team, and enter deeper into under-connected towns and rural areas across India. The company has set its sights on bridging the country’s digital gap by focusing on regions with limited broadband access.
Unique Internet Model
Founded in 2015 and rebranded in 2021, Wiom offers sachet-sized internet packs that start at just Rs 5. Its asset-light model allows users and small ISPs to resell broadband to others nearby, helping many hosts reduce or even eliminate their own internet bills.
Co-founder Satyam Darmora explains that Wiom cuts internet costs by 40–60%, making access either very cheap or completely free for some users. The pay-as-you-go system removes the burden of expensive monthly payments, making internet more accessible for low-income households.
Expands Through PM-WANI
Wiom is India’s largest licensed Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA) under the PM-WANI (Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) scheme. This government-backed initiative is aimed at expanding internet access in underserved communities.
The company works with nearly 100 regional ISPs and focuses on tier II and III towns, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Eastern India. Its smart routers allow anyone nearby to log in via a Wi-Fi portal, just like using hotel Wi-Fi, with no app required.
Mission to Bridge Gap
Investors believe Wiom is solving one of India’s biggest digital challenges. Rohit Sood of Bertelsmann India said Wiom’s model is setting the foundation for digital access for the next 500 million Indians.
Pratik Agarwal from Accel highlighted that only 10% of India’s 200 million homes have access to affordable unlimited internet. Wiom’s team is reimagining how this access is delivered through a scalable and tech-driven solution.
Future Plans Unfold
With over one million monthly users, Wiom plans to more than double its reach every year. The company is also working on new hardware and software through its “Tech for Future” initiative to improve performance and access even further.
Co-founder Darmora said their solution is a win-win for both users and existing internet providers, as it helps everyone benefit from wider digital access.
