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AT&T Wi-Fi Hub, developed with solutions from Accuris Networks and BSG Wireless, is expected to power more Wi-Fi Hotspots and Wi-Fi services in cafes, shopping malls, corporate offices, public hotspots and other avenues. In a joint statement by AT&T, Accuris Networks and BSG Wireless, the companies said that the AT&T Wi-Fi Hub will enable wireless operators to deliver turnkey Wi-Fi roaming services to their customers. Accuris Networks is a leading provider of convergence, roaming and interworking solutions while BSG Wireless is an innovative Wi-Fi solutions provider, delivering managed services and products.
With usage of data growing rapidly, increasing the strain on existing mobile networks and with Wi-Fi service being an important feature in most commercial venues, Wi-Fi offloading has become a preferred option among operators, enterprises and merchants as means of providing data access and for users as means of cutting down their data usage costs. The setting up of Wi-Fi hotspots however is often beset with challenges that include the complexities in choosing the right Wi-Fi providers, infrastructure, access design and other aspects to ensure seamless offloading, secure authentication and accurate charging and billing.
In their statement, the companies said that AT&T leveraged Accuris Networks' AccuROAM platform which is the only solution using SIM-based account credentials for automatic connection to end devices when roaming internationally to develop the AT&T Wi-Fi Hub. Apart from providing secure authentication framework that eliminates the need for usernames and passwords everytime the user accesses the Wi-Fi service, the solution also supports Hotspot 2.0 and WBA’s Wireless Roaming Intermediary eXchange (WRIX) specifications and enables any Wi-Fi to work as a full extension of GSM or CDMA networks for billing, policy and authentication, added the statement. BSG Wireless solution will be utilized for its advanced reporting and settlement infrastructure capabilities specifically to provide 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. For the end user, all they will need to do is download an app from their Wi-Fi provider to access Wi-Fi roaming.”
- JR Wilson, Vice President, Partnerships & Alliances, AT&T Mobility
"The AT&T Wi-Fi Hub is an operator-focused hub. 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."
- Jeff Brown, CEO of Accuris Networks