WAA and WBA Sign MoU at 2024 MWC SHANGHAI

2024-07-01

以下文章来源于微信公众号——WAA联盟

Shanghai, June 25, 2024 – At the forefront of wireless technology, the World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA) and the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2024 Global Innovative Industry Association Forum in Shanghai. This pivotal agreement represents a crucial step forward in promoting the internationalization of WLAN technology standards and enhancing global recognition and interoperability of WLAN applications.

The signing ceremony, held at Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai, marked a historic moment as these two influential organizations committed to a collaborative effort aimed at integrating their resources and expertise. The shared goal is to advance the WAA’s international standardization process, bolster the recognition of related standards and certifications worldwide, and ensure the sustainable and healthy development of the WLAN global industry chain.

Promoting Global WLAN Standardization

The collaboration between WAA and WBA is expected to address several key challenges in the wireless LAN industry. By combining forces, these organizations aim to accelerate the development and adoption of international WLAN standards, which is crucial for ensuring compatibility and interoperability of WLAN technologies across different regions and markets. This standardization is vital for the seamless connectivity and enhanced performance of wireless networks globally.

The WAA, established to drive the development and application of WLAN technologies, has been instrumental in fostering innovation and setting standards within the industry. Meanwhile, the WBA, founded in 2003, has a well-established reputation for connecting people with the latest Wi-Fi initiatives and driving seamless, interoperable service experiences within the global wireless ecosystem.

Strategic Vision and Mission Alignment

WAA and WBA’s strategic vision aligns closely with their shared mission to enable collaboration among service providers, technology companies, cities, regulators, and organizations. This MoU underscores their commitment to overcoming business and technical challenges through collaborative initiatives. These efforts include standards development, industry guidelines, trials, certification, and advocacy, all aimed at promoting end-to-end services and accelerating business opportunities within the WLAN industry.

Tao YANG, Secretary-General of the WAA, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “This MoU marks a critical milestone in our journey towards global standardization and interoperability of WLAN technologies. By leveraging WBA’s extensive experience and resources, we are poised to make significant strides in advancing the WAA’s international standardization efforts and enhancing the global recognition of our standards and certifications.”

Driving Innovation and Market Opportunities

The WBA’s key programs, such as NextGen Wi-Fi, Open Roaming, 5G, IoT, Smart Cities, Testing & Interoperability, and Policy & Regulatory Affairs, are aligned with the objectives of the WAA. These initiatives are designed to address the evolving needs of the wireless industry and explore new business models and market opportunities. Member-led Work Groups within the WBA are dedicated to resolving standards and technical issues, ensuring that WLAN technologies can deliver seamless, high-quality service experiences to users worldwide.

Tiago RODRIGUES, the President and CEO of the WBA, emphasized the potential impact of this collaboration, stating, “The synergy between WAA and WBA will not only enhance the development and adoption of WLAN standards but also drive innovation and create new growth opportunities within the industry. Together, we will work towards building a more connected and interoperable world, where WLAN technologies play a central role in enabling the digital transformation of societies and economies.”

Exploring New Business Models and Market Opportunities

The collaboration between WAA and WBA is expected to unlock new business models and market opportunities within the WLAN industry. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, these organizations aim to explore innovative approaches to addressing the challenges faced by the industry and creating new growth drivers. This includes the development of new services and applications that can enhance the user experience and drive the adoption of WLAN technologies across different sectors and markets.

The MoU signed at the 2024 Global Innovative Industry Association Forum is a testament to the commitment of WAA and WBA to fostering a more connected and interoperable world. By working together, these organizations aim to drive the adoption of international WLAN standards, enhance the recognition of related certifications, and promote the sustainable and healthy development of the WLAN global industry chain.

A Look Ahead: The Future of WLAN Technology

Looking ahead, the partnership between WAA and WBA holds significant promise for the future of WLAN technology. As these organizations work together to address the evolving needs of the industry, they are well-positioned to drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth. This includes the development of new technologies and solutions that can enhance the performance and reliability of wireless networks, as well as the exploration of new business models and market opportunities.

The collaboration between WAA and WBA is also expected to have a positive impact on the broader wireless ecosystem. By promoting the adoption of international WLAN standards and enhancing the recognition of related certifications, these organizations are helping to create a more interoperable and connected world. This, in turn, will enable the digital transformation of societies and economies, driving progress and improving the quality of life for people around the world.