Q. How was this Alliance initiative started and when was Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) launched?
A. This initiative was initially started between a group of telecom operators from Asia Pacific region for exploring Wireless Broadband related collaboration opportunities with intent of collectively accelerating the adoption of WiFi/WLAN services. The initial group had operators representing Asia Pacific countries that have seen some of most aggressive and widespread deployment as well as adoption of WiFi/WLAN services in the world. The initial group of operators got together formally during the 1st Roundtable session held on 30 January 2003.

WBA includes amongst its founding members Korea Telecom (a global leader in Broadband and WiFi/WLAN deployment) besides operators from leading Asia Pacific markets i.e. Australia, China, Malaysia and Singapore. Given the strong interest expressed by several major telecom operators from outside the Asia Pacific region in the WBA initiative (the 1st and largest operator-lead alliance initiative of its kind in the world), the founding members decided to open the Alliance to global participation.

The WBA was formally launched on 20 March 2003 by a group of 5 initial founding members (China Netcom, Korea Telecom, Maxis, StarHub, Telstra) jointly signing a Memorandum Of Understanding during the 2nd Roundtable session held in Singapore.

Q. Who is leading the WBA and who are expected to be its member
A. WBA is primarily lead by like-minded telecommunications operators from around the world who also offer Wireless Broadband (WiFi/WLAN) services in their respective markets. However, the WBA membership is also open to other industry players who can add value to WBA and are aligned with the business objectives of WBA and its existing members.

Q. Where can I find out more about WBA and its members?
A. More information can be found on WBA’s website