TeliaSonera, SK Telecom, BSkyB and others join leading technology companies in the Wireless Broadband Alliance

Singapore – November 9th, 2011 – The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), the industry association focused on driving the next generation Wi-Fi experience, today welcomed the seven new members that have joined its efforts to drive seamless global Wi-Fi networks, as part of WBA’s Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) initiative.

The new members1 include BSG, BSkyB, DOCOMO interTouch, SK Telecom, US Signal, Trustive and TeliaSonera Mobile Networks, bringing WBA membership to 68. They join existing members which include major fixed operators such as BT, Comcast and Time Warner Cable; seven of the top 10 mobile operator groups (by revenue) as well as leading technology companies such as Cisco, Google and Intel.

The association includes a mix of leading Wi-Fi, mobile and broadband network operators; service providers; and media players from across the Americas, Europe & Asia Pacific, as well as technology providers and partners.

The new members will join the 20th WBA Roundtable Conference in Singapore where the organisation is progressing its Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) trial. The completion of the NGH trial will be a key milestone in the WBA’s goal to drive wireless broadband adoption globally by developing a common commercial and technical framework for interoperability across networks, technologies and devices.

These networks will drastically simplify public Wi-Fi access for local users and those travelling abroad, eliminating manual login authentication procedures, and improving mobile broadband services by intelligently offloading data traffic from cellular networks. This will power the next generation of Wi-Fi service offerings which are designed to provide a cellular-style experience.

Chris Bruce, chair of the WBA and CEO, BT Openzone said: “There is a growing awareness that Wi-Fi is fundamental to fixed, wireless and mobile networks, and this is reflected in the growing membership of the WBA. The future of media and telecoms involves hiding any complexity from end users to provide the best possible experience in a world where data demand is insatiable. We welcome the latest members who will help the WBA meet these ambitions.”

Notes to Editors

Contact:
Stephanie Ross
Temono for Wireless Broadband Alliance
+44 207 089 8896
wba@temono.com

1List of new WBA member companies

  • BSG
  • BSkyB
  • DOCOMO InterTouch
  • SK Telecom
  • TeliaSonera Mobile Networks AB
  • Trustive
  • US Signal Company

About the Wireless Broadband Alliance
Founded in 2003, the aim of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is to secure an outstanding user experience through the global deployment of next generation Wi-Fi. The WBA and its industry leading members are dedicated to delivering this quality experience through technology innovation, interoperability, and robust security.

Today, membership includes major fixed operators such as BT, NTT Communications, Comcast and Time Warner Cable; seven of the top 10 mobile operator groups (by revenue) and leading technology companies such as Cisco, Google and Intel. These members serve over 390 million customers and have rolled out over 290,000 hotspots worldwide. They also work with international operators to drive innovation, deliver seamless connectivity and optimize network investments. The WBA Board includes AT&T, BT, Boingo, Cisco, Deutsche Telekom, KT, NTT DOCOMO, Orange France, True Internet and TMN/Portugal Telecom. wballiance.com

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