WBA OpenRoaming Sets Out to Build Global Public Wi-Fi

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.