iPass and Informa identify winning strategies to capture next phase of growth in Wi-Fi data roaming

REDWOOD SHORES, California – iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of mobile services for enterprises and telecom service providers, announced today that it has released a whitepaper titled “International Wi-Fi Roaming: Winning Strategies to Construct Wi-Fi/Cellular Data-Roaming Offers for Retail Subscribers.” The whitepaper was co-written by Informa Telecoms & Media and is available at http://www.ipass.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/International-Wi-Fi-Roaming.pdf.

International Wi-Fi roaming extends Wi-Fi access to subscribers when they are traveling outside of their communications service provider (CSP)’s home network. The goal of CSPs when launching an international Wi-Fi roaming service is to acquire access to as broad and meaningful a footprint of Wi-Fi hotspots in as possible, in as many foreign locations as possible, in a simple and easy-to-use manner while ensuring a positive experience for their subscribers.

2012 witnessed an incredible surge of activity in pushing forward both the technical and commercial aspects of international Wi-Fi roaming, and this momentum is expected to increase in 2013. “The importance of Wi-Fi is now beyond question,” said Thomas Wehmeier, principal analyst, Informa. “Operators cannot afford to simply ignore the way that Wi-Fi has risen to become the primary form of data connectivity for the smartphone generation of users, both at home and abroad. As a result, CSPs are seeking to exploit Wi-Fi to underpin their service-differentiation strategies, create new revenue streams and enhance the profitability of their existing service propositions. According to studies conducted by Informa Telecoms & Media in partnership with Mobidia, Wi-Fi is the primary means of data connectivity for a growing user base, accounting for up to 85 percent of total smartphone-originated data traffic.”

“The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that international tourism arrivals exceeded one billion for the first time in 2012, and the volume of international travel is set for another year of robust growth in 2013,” said Steve Livingston, senior vice president of carrier development, iPass. “Since each international trip represents a potential roaming event, the addressable market for international Wi-Fi roaming has never been greater. By partnering with iPass, CSPs can accelerate the market availability of new Wi-Fi services while minimizing their investment.”
International travelers spend a significant amount of money to gain access to Wi-Fi hotspots when abroad. There are a number of reasons for CSPs to adopt Wi-Fi as part of their international roaming strategy, but three stand out above the rest: retain and increase wallet share in the high-value customer segment; monetize the opportunity around Wi-Fi-only devices; and take advantage of Wi-Fi to increase the profitability of cellular data roaming.

For more insight on winning strategies to construct Wi-Fi/Cellular data-roaming offers, please visit here to download the entire white paper.

About iPass OMX ™
iPass Open Mobile Exchange (OMX) is the world’s largest commercial Wi-Fi Roaming and Exchange platform for Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Through a single interface, iPass OMX connects more than 150 unique Wi-Fi networks representing over 1.2 million commercial Wi-Fi venues with certified WISPr interoperability across 123 countries and territories worldwide.

About Informa Telecoms & Media
Informa Telecoms & Media is the leading provider of business intelligence and strategic marketing solutions to global telecoms and media markets. Driven by constant first-hand contact with the industry, our 60 analysts and researchers produce a range of intelligence services including news and analytical products, in-depth market reports and datasets focused on technology, strategy and content.

About iPass Inc.
iPass helps enterprises and telecom service providers ensure their employees and subscribers stay well connected. Founded in 1996, iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) delivers the world’s largest commercial-grade Wi-Fi network and trusted connectivity platform. With more than 1.2 million Wi-Fi hotspots across 123 countries and territories, iPass gives its customers always-on, frictionless connectivity for smartphones, tablets and laptops anywhere in the world – simply, securely and cost-effectively. Additional information is available at www.iPass.com or on Smarter Connections, the iPass blog.