The Wi-Fi Alliance (News - Alert) said that it is now testing mobile devices and infrastructure equipment for its Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint program. Passpoint mobile devices can automatically discover and connect to Wi-Fi networks powered by Passpoint-certified access points, delivering the true mobile broadband experience that users want, said the Alliance.

According to Wi-Fi Alliance, the specification behind Passpoint was defined by service provider and equipment maker members of the Alliance to address critical business needs for mobile data, streamlined access and subscriber loyalty. With rising use of mobile devices for data-intensive applications, Passpoint eases service provider data traffic offload to Wi-Fi networks, said the Alliance.

PCWorld.com report shows that the Wi-Fi Alliance has begun certifying products that simplify access to hotspots and roaming between different mobile service operators. Meanwhile, based on information released by Wireless Broadband Alliance, service providers and equipment vendors are expected to test these products in the fourth quarter, reported PCWorld.com.

IDG News reporter Mikael Ricknas wrote that “the organization has started certifying the underlying products as part of the organization's Passpoint program, which is based on technology defined in its Hotspot 2.0 specification.”

Ricknas wrote, “the certification program is a major milestone for Wi-Fi technology, because there is now finally a single industry-wide solution for seamless access to Wi-Fi-based mobile broadband.”

The report indicates that certified mobile products can automatically discover and connect to Wi-Fi networks powered by access points that have also been approved.

As per this report, the first batch of certified products include access points, controllers and clients from BelAir Networks, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Intel, Marvell, MediaTek, Qualcomm and Ruckus Wireless (News - Alert).

In the mean time, to see if the certified devices work as promised, Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is working with a number of operators to begin conducting Wi-Fi roaming trials during the fourth quarter (4Q). The first commercial services are expected to be launched during the first half of next year, according to the WBA.

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