Wi-Fi Alliance Plans Hot Spot Certification

By TWICE Staff On Mar 22 2011 - 4:01am

AUSTIN TEXAS — The Wi-Fi Alliance is developing a public hot spot certification program that would simplify the way people access public Wi-Fi networks.

The group targeted the first half of 2012 to launch the program.

“We envision an automated, cellular- like experience for Wi-Fi users around the world in security-protected service provider hotspots,” said marketing director Kelly Davis-Felner. “Ensuring end users can easily access hotspot networks from various providers is a win for subscribers, service providers and device makers alike.”

The program will also “facilitate the seamless handoff of cellular traffic from data-hungry smartphones, tablets and other portable electronics to Wi-Fi,” the group added.

The program will enable automatic network discovery and selection based upon user preferences and operator policies; WPA2 security; immediate account provisioning via common provisioning methodology, streamlining the process of establishing a new user account at the point of access; and roaming agreements.