Wi-Fi for Operators
Wi-Fi is a strategic enabler for both mobile and fixed-line operators. Wi-Fi’s proven performance and ubiquity have created an opportunity for operators to address a larger share of users’ wireless data needs and to deliver content outside the home.
Operators around the globe are deploying Wi-Fi in business models tailored to fit their unique needs. Wi-Fi is being used to improve coverage, offload data traffic, increase network density, reach consumers with paid content outside the home, increase loyalty and reduce roaming costs. The Wi-Fi industry has responded to the breadth of need with a tremendous level of innovation.
According to Informa Telecoms & Media, there are more than one million public hotspots available today, and that number is expected to exceed five million in 2015. Approximately two-thirds of the data generated by mobile devices travels over Wi-Fi and half of this data traffic happens outside the home (Cisco VNI).
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint™
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint™ revolutionizes Wi-Fi hotspot networks by making network access seamless for the user. The industry-wide solution and certification program from Wi-Fi Alliance also delivers WPA2™ security protection to user connections, and is based on the Wi-Fi Alliance Hotspot 2.0 specification.
Passpoint-certified equipment is a key building block for operators. The technology behind Passpoint eases data traffic offload to Wi-Fi, and provides an important building block to deliver on the vision of inter-provider Wi-Fi roaming worldwide. Passpoint-certified access points and devices contain the technology needed for service providers to offer their customers cellular-like roaming. Collaboration between Wi-Fi Alliance and Wireless Broadband Alliance, GSMA, and other organizations is helping to ensure that the fundamental parts of the vision are harmonized.
Learn more about Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint.
Download the white paper commissioned by Wi-Fi Alliance: Carrier Wi-Fi for mobile operators
Shape the future of Wi-Fi. Join the Wi-Fi Alliance today.
Passpoint is just the beginning. Our members are actively developing and discussing new enhancements to Wi-Fi that are of strategic importance to operator networks. Numerous operator companies from around the world are Wi-Fi Alliance members who help shape our testing programs to ensure that the unique needs of carriers are met. Task groups focusing on operator needs provide a forum where Wi-Fi Alliance members can develop certifications that align with operators' Wi-Fi service deployment needs. These groups also provide an opportunity to incorporate end-user feedback in order to enhance the Wi-Fi experience.
The benefits of Wi-Fi Alliance membership extend well beyond participating in the industry's only certification program. Learn more about Wi-Fi Alliance membership or contact us.