The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), the leading global industry association focused on driving next generation Wi-Fi and its role in Public Wi-Fi services, today published a comprehensive white paper outlining the commercial potential and technical aspects of Wi-Fi Roaming. It includes details of technical options and roaming business models, leveraging insights from leading global operators within the ecosystem who have already deployed their Next Generation Hotspot networks and established wireless roaming agreements. The white paper was prepared by Alliance members including telecoms giants AT&T, Boingo, BT, Comcast, NTT DOCOMO, Liberty Global and Orange and key technology partners & hub providers Accuris Network, Point Dume/ AIRI HK, BSG Wireless, Cisco, CableLabs, iPass and Syniverse.
WBA research estimates that as many as 70% of travellers choose not to use traditional mobile roaming services, instead relying on Wi-Fi networks to stay connected. The white paper identifies opportunities for Service Providers to harness people’s familiarity and acceptance of Wi-Fi to create new services and products that encourage greater roaming usage and generate enhanced revenues. It also includes a template business model available to WBA members and case studies by leading service providers such as AT&T, Boingo, Comcast and NTT DOCOMO demonstrating the revenue and end user benefits from offering Wi-Fi roaming.
“The WBA has always been focused on enabling the best possible experience for the end user, working to bring an ever more cellular-like experience to Wi-Fi,” said Shrikant Shenwai, CEO of the WBA. “This white paper, developed in conjunction with our members, proves the commercial potential and provides operators with the necessary commercial and technical guidelines to deliver Wi-Fi roaming; marking a step change on the path to ubiquitous connectivity.”
The roaming-related work accomplished by the WBA and the collective strengths of its members have been instrumental in the growth of global Wi-Fi roaming around the world. The joint task force with GSMA and CableLabs have effectively accomplished the alignment among the organizations roaming framework. It also helped to agree on a standard set of Wi-Fi roaming specifications and further encourage Wi-Fi interworking and roaming between operators. The WBA facilitates access to a quality global Wi-Fi footprint, a huge subscriber base, unique expertise and track record, and award-winning technical enablers. The WBA also provides opportunities to engage global partners and influence the industry. It offers a significant value proposition to all wireless broadband operators and ecosystem partners interested in enabling a seamless Wi-Fi experience, delivering global Wi-Fi roaming and integrating Wi-Fi across mobile technologies for the benefit of end-users.
The white paper Wi-Fi Roaming Business Case, published by the Wireless Broadband Alliance, was contributed to by Accuris Networks, Point Dume/AIRI HK, AT&T, BT, BSG Wireless, Boingo Wireless, CableLabs, Comcast, Cisco, iPass, Liberty Global, Syniverse, NTT DOCOMO and Orange.
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