AT&T is working with Accuris Networks and BSG Wireless on a new AT&T Wi-Fi Hub that enables other wireless operators to deliver turnkey Wi-Fi roaming services to their customers.
The AT&T Wi-Fi Hub, which is expected to launch later this year, addresses common issues that operators face in delivering Wi-Fi roaming services, such as the time-intensive process of identifying Wi-Fi providers, negotiation of terms and implementation of Wi-Fi services.
The AT&T Wi-Fi Hub is being developed using Accuris Networks’ AccuROAM platform, which uses SIM-based account credentials to enable smartphone and tablet users to automatically connect to Wi-Fi hotspots when roaming internationally. The solution provides a secure authentication framework without the need to enter cumbersome usernames and passwords. It also fully supports Hotspot 2.0 and WBA’s Wireless Roaming Intermediary eXchange (WRIX) specifications. AccuROAM enables any Wi-Fi to work as a full extension of GSM or CDMA networks for billing, policy and authentication.
AT&T’s Wi-Fi Hub will utilize the advanced reporting and settlement infrastructure capabilities of BSG Wireless, specifically interconnection for the operators, data clearing and financial settlement services.
“Our collaboration with Accuris Networks and BSG Wireless means that we’ll be able to launch our hub quickly and deliver a wholesale Wi-Fi solution that is seamless and secure,” said JR Wilson, Vice President, Partnerships & Alliances, AT&T Mobility. “For the end user, all they will need to do is download an app from their Wi-Fi provider to access Wi-Fi roaming.
"The AT&T Wi-Fi Hub is an operator-focused hub," said Jeff Brown, CEO of Accuris Networks. "AT&T has spent the time and made the investments to solve the key issues that have challenged many operators who have wanted to offer Wi-Fi roaming. Operators can become part of a Wi-Fi roaming ecosystem on which they can quickly build services and products. Using the hub benefits operators as well as their customers, since it offers Wi-Fi roaming that is secure, simple and easy to use."
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In September, Accuris Networks, a start-up based in Dublin, Ireland with offices in the U.S., Malaysia, Brazil and Japan, completed a $15 million equity funding round for its platform for connecting current and emerging mobile broadband networks such as GSM, CDMA, LTE and Wi-Fi. The company also announced the appointment of Jeff Brown as CEO.
The Accuris AccuROAM platform, which includes smartphone client software, access server/gateway technology and billing integration support, helps service providers interconnect various network technologies and domains for a better subscriber roaming experience. The platform can be used for Wi-Fi Offload and Wi-Fi Roaming, including Wi-Fi Calling and Wi-Fi Texting. This enables carriers to include Wi-Fi as a full service-capability alongside 3G/4G Mobile, fixed broadband, etc.The newly named CEO Jeff Brown previously was president and CEO of mobile technology company Kineto Wireless. He held similar positions at RadioFrame Networks and was earlier the CEO of Data Critical, a wireless healthcare company.
The upcoming GSMA Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona will feature Next Generation Hotspot (NGH) and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint technologies. The network, which will also be supported by the Wi-Fi Alliance, will allow attendees using Passpoint-enabled iOS and Android from participating mobile operators to automatically roam onto the network using secure credentials and also benefit from a secure Wi-Fi connection in the main hallways and reception area (the exhibition floor uses vendor Wi-Fi at the stands).
