The connectivity power struggle is heating up.
iPass, a provider of global mobile connectivity and Tata Communications will partner up in a new initiative, according to a recent announcement. Under the terms of the partnership, Tata will use the iPass global Wi-Fi access and SmartConnect SDK to supply its mobile network operator and app service provider customers with easy and secure access to the international Wi-Fi network, with more than 53 million hotspots in more than 120 countries.
“Like Tata Communications, iPass has global reach, which is hugely important to our mobile network operator and app service provider customers, who collectively reach 4 out of 5 mobile subscribers worldwide,” said Christian Michaud, SVP, Strategy, Product and Business Development, Service Provider Group, Tata Communications. “This partnership will add tremendous value to our customers, who will be able to offer their users around the globe secure, seamless access to the world’s largest Wi-Fi network.”
The SmartConnect SDK leverages patented technology that delivers intelligent, always-on access to high quality Wi-Fi service for customers, while ensuring privacy and safety through secure authentication and identity protection.
“Our partnership with Tata Communications gives us an opportunity to expand our reach while empowering Tata Communications customers with the technology to access the world’s largest network for mobile connectivity,” said Gary Griffiths, president and CEO, iPass. “Tata Communications has massive global brand recognition, counting more than 900 MNOs and MVNOs among its customers. It’s extremely rewarding – and humbling – to see that Tata Communications views Wi-Fi connectivity as a strategic component of its service offering, and has chosen iPass as the partner to deliver Wi-Fi connectivity services to its customers.”
True global Wi-Fi has a real opportunity to change the game for IoT companies looking for more flexible options than are offered by either cellular connectivity or through standards like LPWANs, LoRA or any of the others. It’s going to be quite a power struggle.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
