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WBA OpenRoaming Sets Out to Build Global Public Wi-Fi

By Ken Briodagh

In a recent release, the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) invited organizations in the Wi-Fi ecosystem to join WBA OpenRoaming and become part of the group’s global Wi-Fi federation. WBA OpenRoaming reportedly provides a global standards-led approach, designed to remove public-guest Wi-Fi connectivity barriers and bring greater convenience and security to the wireless ecosystem. WBA says OpenRoaming removes the need to search for Wi-Fi networks, to repeatedly enter or create login credentials, or to reconnect or re-register to public Wi-Fi.

“Wi-Fi is already arguably the most successful wireless technology of our time, but with these globally agreed standards and policies, we can take public-guest Wi-Fi to another level in terms of ease-of-use and global availability,” said Tiago Rodrigues, CEO, WBA. “The WBA OpenRoaming creates an open framework for all types of players to join and develop their Wi-Fi services and create new business opportunities. We invite venues, vendors and operator/identity providers to join WBA OpenRoaming and revolutionise Wi-Fi usage around the world.”

According to the release, companies who join WBA OpenRoaming can allow end users to automatically connect on any Wi-Fi network managed by a federation member. The members of WBA that are supporting the OpenRoaming standards include: Airmesh, Airties, Aprecomm, American Tower, Aptilo, AT&T, Boingo Wireless, Broadcom Inc, Cisco, Cityroam, Comcast, Commscope, Deutsche Telekom, Eduroam, Eleven Software,GlobalReachTechnology, Google, Hub One, Hughes Systique Corp, Intel Corporation, IT&E, m3connect, Nomosphere, Orange, Purple Wi-Fi, Samsung, Single Digits, Sun Global, Veniam, WifiCoin and Zephyrtel.

“Under the WBA’s leadership, OpenRoaming will make it easier for more locations to offer seamless and secure Passpoint Wi-Fi to their employees and customers,” said JR Wilson, WBA Chairman and VP, Tower Strategy and Roaming, AT&T.


Ken Briodagh is a storyteller, writer and editor with about two decades of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars.

Edited by Ken Briodagh
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