With 70+% of all smartphone internet data [1] and 52% of overall internet data [2][3] being carried over Wi-Fi networks, it is clear that cellular deployments in the licensed spectrum have not been able to keep pace with consumer demands for wireless data. In particular, 5G cellular requires the very dense deployment of small cells, which further aggravates the investment and operational challenges telcos face. And in some cases, the energy demands of 5G small cells have raised sustainability concerns.

As a result, WiFi is being examined by telcos as an alternative solution for 5G deployment, particularly for indoor coverage. With the launch of WiFi 6 in 2019, WiFi 6E (6 GHz spectrum in addition to the regular 2.4GHz and 5GHz) in 2022, and with WiFi 7 forthcoming, WiFi is evolving to meet telcos’ and users’ growing demand for wireless data. Wi-Fi Halow is also being introduced to facilitate the adoption of WiFi in the IoT domain.

However, the roaming experience offered by WiFi, as well as its security features, have to be improved. With cellular networks, when users travel across different cellular base stations, their devices connect automatically when they reach a new one, without interference or service interruptions. This happens no matter where the user goes, even when they cross between networks operated by different carriers. In addition, communication with the networks is secured using Extensible Authentication Protocol - Authentication and Key Agreement (EAP-AKA), or EAP Transport Layer Security (EAP-TLS). These security standards have been broadly accepted by the industry. In contrast, the typical onboarding experiences and network security levels offered by WiFi have been widely criticized. Generally, public WiFi is considered insecure and inconvenient to connect to. Users often become confused about which SSID to connect to, and are asked for access passwords, which is a nightmare. In some cases, users even need to receive an SMS or use their email or social media account to login. And once they move to another location, the same process repeats again!

Clearly, WiFi is overdue for a completely different user experience that’s as seamless and secure as what’s offered by cellular networks. If the onboarding and security issues mentioned above can be resolved, the world’s 628 million guest WiFi networks [6] [7] could be integrated into one global WiFi roaming network in a secure way. Such a network would provide large-scale infrastructure for telcos, accelerate 5G deployment, and provide more affordable broadband wireless network services globally.

The vision of one global roaming WiFi network is shared by telcos, WiFi operators, equipment vendors, technology solution providers, governments, non-profit organizations, and, more importantly, 8 billion people globally - particularly the 4 billion who do not have internet access . One global WiFi network is also the mission of organizations like the WiFi Alliance, Wireless Broadband Alliance, Telecom Infra Projects, etc.

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1.2 Enterprise WiFi ›