OTTAWA-A number of Canadian wireless operators signed an inter-carrier agreement establishing common standards for roaming and interoperability of their public Wi-Fi networks and have agreed to create a common brand identifier for Wi-Fi hot spots in Canada, according to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.
The Wi-Fi agreement, which was signed by Bell Canada, Microcell Solutions Inc., Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. and Telus Mobility, calls for all public commercial hot spots operated by the carriers and any other Canadian operator or hot spot owner who meets the minimum requirements and chooses to join the roaming alliance, to consistently brand the service with the common hot spot identifier. Customers accessing the hot spots will be presented with an identical, browser-based login area designed to provide a simple, consistent and secure service.
The CWTA noted the four Canadian operators have committed to build more than 500 hot spot locations over the next year.