Partnership enables a Hotspot 2.0 ‘cellular-like’ user experience across millions of existing Wi-Fi hotspots
REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., May 7, 2013: iPass Inc. (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of mobile services for enterprises and telecom service providers, today announced its partnership with Accuris Networks, an innovator in Wi-Fi offload and Wi-Fi roaming, to deliver a solution for a seamless and secure device-based Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) for Wi-Fi roaming on both Android and iOS platforms. Together, iPass and Accuris have created a solution that enables Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to merge Wi-Fi and cellular network access into a single retail offer.
The solution provides a ‘cellular-like’ user experience across today’s WISPr networks by automating the access and authentication, and securely relating the data session to the mobile subscriber’s cellular identity. This solution frees customers from the need to enter cumbersome usernames and passwords, and easily integrates with a GSM or CDMA Operator’s OSS/BSS.
“The iPass/Accuris device-based AAA solution removes the operational challenges of merging Wi-Fi and cellular services together,” said Marcio Avillez, vice president of network services, iPass. ‘Until now, MNOs could not authenticate Wi-Fi access at the device level, because the majority of Wi-Fi networks only supported WISPr v1.0, and this required authentication to be performed via RADIUS username and password. While 802.1x / EAP authentication, including EAP-SIM/AKA is growing and is supported by the service, its use in Wi-Fi roaming is still limited.
Achieving market success requires a solution that will span multiple generations of Wi-Fi networks, leveraging the world’s current supply. By partnering with Accuris Networks, we have created a solution to allow users to seamlessly roam onto legacy Wi-Fi networks as well as Next Generation Hotspot (NGH)/Passpoint networks, helping to make Wi-Fi roaming widely available and relevant to the subscriber.”
“Our solution is ideal for bundling Wi-Fi with cellular data roaming plans to widen the opportunities for end-users to enjoy high-speed roaming data to the utmost,” said Liam Cooney, Partners and Channels Director, Accuris Networks. “The partnership with iPass drastically expedites speed-to-market for MNOs by using existing systems, processes and personnel. A mobile subscriber’s identity remains the common element to provisioning, authorizing and charging for services.”
The ultimate goal of launching an International Wi-Fi Roaming service is to facilitate access to as broad and meaningful a footprint of Wi-Fi hotspots in as possible, in as many foreign locations as possible, in a simple and easy-to-use manner while ensuring a positive experience for their subscribers. The iPass/Accuris solution now makes that goal achievable with device-based AAA services.
About iPass OMX
iPass Open Mobile Exchange (OMX) is the world’s largest commercial Wi-Fi roaming and exchange platform for Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Through a single interface, iPass OMX connects more than 150 unique Wi-Fi networks representing over 1.2 million commercial Wi-Fi venues with certified WISPr interoperability across 123 countries and territories worldwide.
About Accuris Networks
Accuris Networks is a leading provider of convergence, roaming and interworking solutions with respective device management. The GSMA award winning AccuROAM platform is designed to provide mobile operators with a Wi-Fi offload and Wi-Fi roaming solution, which includes smartphone client software, access server/gateway technology and billing integration designed to provide a seamless and secure user experience for data, voice and messaging services. For more information, visit Accuris Networks at www.accuris-networks.com.
About iPass Inc.
iPass helps enterprises and telecom service providers ensure their employees and subscribers stay well connected. Founded in 1996, iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) delivers the world’s largest commercial-grade Wi-Fi network and trusted connectivity platform. With more than 1.2 million Wi-Fi hotspots across 123 countries and territories, iPass gives its customers always-on, frictionless connectivity for smartphones, tablets and laptops anywhere in the world – simply, securely and cost-effectively. Additional information is available at www.iPass.com or on Smarter Connections, the iPass blog.
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iPass® is a registered trademark of iPass Inc. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the WiFi Alliance. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
US
Kristin Bleier
Tel. +1 650 232 4337
Email: pr@ipass.com
UK
Leila Hajaj, Spark Communications
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7 436 0420
Email: leila@sparkcomms.co.uk