Wi-Fi Alliance introduces new Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint features
The Wi-Fi Alliance has expanded its Wi-Fi Certified Passpoint programme so that in addition to seamless connection and WPA2 security for mobile devices in Wi-Fi hotspots, Passpoint provides a streamlined method to establish new user accounts and connect Wi-Fi-only devices such as tablets and notebooks.
Passpoint now enables a streamlined process to establish a new user account at the point of access. For service providers, this reduces barriers to account creation and usage. For users, this capability takes the complexity out of getting connected and enables in-pocket connection across a service provider’s network of hotspots.
Passpoint’s expansion comes at a time when Wi-Fi is increasingly crucial to service providers. For example, fixed broadband operators have launched ambitious Wi-Fi deployments in public settings and extended Wi-Fi coverage with a growing number of homespots. ‘Wi-Fi-first’ business models have provided a disruptive counterpoint to traditional operator services, and retailers are deploying Wi-Fi as a way to improve customer engagement. Wi-Fi roaming agreements among service providers are emerging as an important complement to traditional cellular roaming.
“Enthusiasm for Passpoint from both mobile and fixed operators continues to mount, and the strategic value of Passpoint extends into new segments as well,” said Edgar Figueroa, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. “What makes the new features exciting is that they empower businesses to realise the powerful commercial impact that Wi-Fi can offer by giving them the ability to engage with customers on a new platform in a secure and streamlined fashion.”
Passpoint momentum is growing in the service provider and vendor segments. Hundreds of models of smartphones, tablets, and operator-grade access points have been certified for Passpoint, which was launched in 2012 and is based on Wi-Fi Alliance’s Hotspot 2.0 Technical Specification. Fixed and mobile operators, including Boingo, Orange, SK Telecom, Time Warner Cable, and Telkom Indonesia have deployed Passpoint networks, and more than 20 operators are now participating in Wi-Fi roaming trials based on Passpoint.
"Passpoint delivers vital access and security technology for Wi-Fi providers of every type, while also easing the way for effective Wi-Fi roaming interconnect agreements," said Ken Rehbehn, principal analyst in the 451 Research Mobility Team. "The new features are important because they enable Passpoint's value proposition by making it simple to connect millions of Wi-Fi-only devices to secure, trusted Passpoint venues. Wi-Fi providers - including fixed, mobile, retail and hospitality services - should take note."
The end user market is poised to embrace seamless Wi-Fi offerings. Research recently conducted among smartphone and tablet users in the US and UK on behalf of Wi-Fi Alliance found that Wi-Fi services enabled by Passpoint have the potential to foster customer loyalty and drive measurable business value for both service providers and retailers.
Among the findings, 70% of respondents agreed that they would be less likely to leave their cable or wireless provider if the provider offered a network of widely available Passpoint hotspots, while 68% agreed that they would switch mobile providers for a Passpoint-enabled Wi-Fi offering, and half of respondents agreed they would be willing to pay more to get it
Also, in the US and UK, 69% of respondents have used a mobile device during a retail shopping experience. Survey respondents stated that having a Passpoint-enabled hotspot service would make them more likely to stay in the store longer (28%), return to the store more often (29%), and choose the store over one without Passpoint (27%).
Shrikant Shenwai, CEO of Wireless Broadband Alliance, commented on the enhancements: “We welcome the launch of the next generation of Passpoint certification that will maximise the benefits of Wi-Fi for end users, manufacturers and service providers. Our ongoing collaboration with Wi-Fi Alliance has driven significantly increased confidence in Wi-Fi technology, and we have seen Wi-Fi roaming roll outs based on Passpoint and Next Generation Hotspot become a commercial reality worldwide in ever increasing numbers.”
While Dr. Derek Petersen, CTO at Boingo Wireless, said: “Passpoint already delivers the best user experience available in public Wi-Fi access, and the new feature enhancements provide a fundamental step forward that enables carriers to identify and provision users on the fly. We’ve made Passpoint a standard requirement for every new network we deploy. Carriers, handset manufacturers, and network OEMs should run, not walk, to embrace and deploy Passpoint capabilities as soon as possible to maximise accessibility and dramatically improve the user experience.”