iPass has announced the launch of a new Wifi exchange, the iPass Open Mobile Exchange (iPass OMX), for both domestic and international data roaming. Describing Wifi as a “mobile operator phenomenon”, OMX is “a carrier-grade platform for service providers to extend core mobility and internet offerings by integrating Wifi with 3G and 4G, allowing providers to seamlessly connect customers to preferred Wifi networks.”
Allowing service providers to resell their own Wifi networks to other operators within the exchange, OMX is designed to assist them to monetise their assets. “It is our business to help telecoms operators enter the Wifi business with speed to market and a reduced cost and risk profile, without a need for additional capital investment,” said Evan Kaplan, president and CEO of iPass.
In June, Deutsche Telekom launched its own WiFi Mobilize service, a new network services exchange used for domestic and international roaming services, and adopted iPass OMX as part of this development. Michael Wilkens, senior VP of international business at Deutsche Telekom said that: “Wifi has re-emerged as an essential service for network assets”. He spoke of his desire to use the partnership with iPass to “enable a marketplace in the carrier’s world for the global exchange of Wifi traffic and inter-standard roaming.”
KDDI Corporation has selected Ruckus Wireless to supply advanced Wifi products for what it describes as “the world’s first and largest ‘instant on’ Wifi access and mobile data offload service”, with over 100,000 hotspots to be planned throughout Japan.
“Wifi is clearly at the top of the list for service providers around the world looking for new ways to increase cellular capacity,” said Selina Lo, president and CEO of Ruckus Wireless.
