The aim of the WBA’s Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) program is to deliver a public Wi-Fi experience that is as easy and secure as that experienced on cellular networks.
And that’s why we’re designing and specifying hotspots that are easier for users to find and access – easier to find and access because devices can connect securely and automatically with no need to manually enter user names or passwords.
But we’re also designing and specifying these hotspots to be much, much more secure. The new hotspots feature similar levels of security to the cellular network including end-to-end radio link encryption and SIM authentication.
The result? A hotspot network that takes the heat off mobile broadband at busy times, through accessible, secure and above all reliable offload. Another step towards interoperability across networks, technologies and devices. And a key milestone in WBA’s goal to drive wireless broadband adoption globally.
The current WBA initiatives under the NGH program include NGH Trial, NGH Operator Guidelines, NGH Whitepapers (Business Drivers whitepaper, Security whitepaper and Maintaining the Profitability of Mobile Data Services) and engagement with key industry organizations (e.g, the GSMA, CableLabs and the Wi-Fi Alliance).
The NGH Trial is being driven by a strong participation of WBA membership. The work is being developed in different phases with the main objective of providing a “real world” like end-to-end test:
- Phase 1 (Completed): Secure and seamless authentication with automatic and network discovery and selection
- Phase 2 (In Progress – Open for enrolment): Operator policy for Wi-Fi networks and automatic online signup
- Phase 3 (To start in 3Q 2013): Explore new services based geo localization and advanced policy management
Useful links
To find out more
Read the key objectives of the WBA NGH program
View participants required for WBA NGH trial
View latest NGH white papers
To take part in WBA NGH trial
Contact WBA