WBA report reveals surge in OpenRoaming plans

WBA report reveals surge in OpenRoaming plans is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• 81% of Wi-Fi industry executives plan OpenRoaming deployments by 2025/2026, with 25% already underway, according to a WBA survey.
• Confidence in Wi-Fi investments is accelerating, driven by cost-effectiveness and new standards, with 60% of executives more confident in investing.

What happened: WBA report shows surge in OpenRoaming adoption

The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) survey indicates a significant rise in OpenRoaming adoption, with 81% of Wi-Fi executives planning deployments by 2025/2026, marking an 18.9% increase from 2024. Currently, 25% are in the rollout phase, 42% aim for 2025, and 27% target 2026. The WBA attributes this growth to benefits like seamless authenticated connections across Wi-Fi and cellular networks, improved security, and enhanced user experience.

Globally, 180 industry executives participated in the survey, showing a growing confidence in Wi-Fi investments, with 60% more confident due to cost-effectiveness and performance from new standards. The leading reasons for investing in OpenRoaming are seamless access between Wi-Fi and 5G/LTE (44%) and improved Wi-Fi security (43%). Adoption of Wi-Fi 6E stands at 37%, with 19% having deployed Wi-Fi 7. On the cellular front, 37% have adopted 5G, 20% CBRS, 30% private cellular, 24% Distributed Antenna Systems, and 24% AI or Cognitive access networks.

Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of WBA, highlights the report’s significance, stating, “Confidence to invest in Wi-Fi is growing, with industry members seeking to leverage benefits like cost reduction, simplified management, and user experience improvements.” Additional findings include 90% considering 6GHz spectrum vital, 78% prioritising network security and privacy, and 46% planning city-wide public Wi-Fi deployments by 2025/2026. Earlier, WBA trials demonstrated HaLow’s capabilities for long-range, low-power IoT connectivity.

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Why it is important

The WBA survey’s findings are pivotal, highlighting a surge in OpenRoaming adoption, which is crucial for the future of connectivity. This increase signifies a shift towards more seamless and secure Wi-Fi experiences. Furthermore, it aligns with the growing demand for enhanced user convenience and data protection. The planned deployments indicate a collective industry effort to achieve interoperability between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. This move is especially significant with the increasing prevalence of 5G/LTE integration.

Moreover, the survey underscores a growing confidence in Wi-Fi as a cost-effective solution that delivers robust performance, which is essential for meeting the rising expectations of consumers and businesses alike. The emphasis on OpenRoaming and advanced standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 shows a dedication to technological progress. This ensures networks are equipped to handle the growing needs of IoT devices and data-heavy applications. This momentum is set to bolster the digital infrastructure, paving the way for more efficient and secure global communications.