The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), a forum for wireless broadband operators around the world who pioneer in global roaming over public Wi-Fi networks, has expanded its membership. The WBA also announced the public release of a set of specifications designed to aid the roaming between Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs).

The new specification, WISPr 2.0, aims to provide seamless authentication between Wi-Fi networks and other access networks like GSM/UMTS/LTE ( 3G , 4G ), WiMAX and even fixed broadband ISPs. WISPr 2.0 will also make roaming simpler and help to overcome interoperability problems, making it much easier for end users to login.

The WBA also added several new members as it evolves to include device / equipment manufacturers, content and information providers. In that respect AT&T, Cisco, Comcast, Devicescape, KT Corporation and Verizon have all joined up.


Some 120 delegates from over 50 global companies are set to meet today at the 17th WBA Roundtable Conference and Wi-Fi Ecosystem Summit in San Diego. A WISPr 2.0 trial will also be launched at the event.

It's hoped that participants will work with leading wireless broadband ISPs to make their equipment and software compatible with WISPr 2.0 and to support seamless authentication on public Wi-Fi networks around the world. The initial trial is expected last 6 months.