The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) says that there now are more than 1 million hotspots worldwide that use OpenRoaming and that it has introduced the third version of the platform.

OpenRoaming, which was introduced in May, 2020, can be found in a wide variety of venues, including airports, universities, stadiums/arenas and office buildings.

It is a common set of standards that enable “frictionless connectivity” as users roam between guest Wi-Fi networks and public Wi-Fi hotspots and between cellular and Wi-Fi networks. It provides automatic network access, and enterprise grade security and accommodates Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E.

WBA OpenRoaming

OpenRoaming Release 3 introduces a “templated approach” to creating a commercial arrangement between federated members. It includes dynamic settlement capabilities that enable rates to be varied at peak times.

Release 3 also includes automated tools, reporting and APIs that are designed to reduce – the WBA says significantly – the overhead management and administration of an OpenRoaming network. It provides an online portal for federated member self-service and Identity Proofing to enable identity providers to meet regulatory and legislative requirements and to fulfill corporate and business responsibilities.

“In just 18 months, WBA OpenRoaming has already surpassed 1 million hotspots worldwide,” Rodrigues said in the press release. “That’s a major milestone — one that highlights how quickly the marketplace has recognized the benefits for network operators, infrastructure vendors, device OEMs and end users. It also reflects demand driven by the emergence of private 5G networks requiring simple roaming between cellular and Wi-Fi.

Rodrigues says that progress will continue. He said that the organization expects other types of locations to use OpenRoaming. These include hotels, cafes, trains, planes and connected vehicles. He cited a survey that found that 40% of business have implemented Passpoint/OpenRoaming or plan to do so by the end of the year.

The next release of OpenRoaming is expected later this year.