The initiative was conceived in January 2003, when a group of telecom operators from the Asia Pacific region began exploring the options for wireless broadband related collaboration opportunities with the intention of collectively accelerating the services. The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) was launched on 20 March 2003 by five initial founding Members. Following strong interest by several major telecom operators from outside the Asia Pacific region, the founding Members opened the Alliance to global participation.

Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is primarily led by like-minded telecommunications operators from around the world who also offer wireless broadband services (including puplic Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Mobile broadband) services in their respective markets.

Unlike some of the other alliances/associations that focus on developing technology or industry standards for specific segments of the telecom market, Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is not a standards body. WBA is a commercial alliance led by a group of like-minded telecom operators around the globe interested in pursuing convergence opportunities. WBA Membership comprises fixed, mobile and integrated telecommunication operators offering wireless broadband services in addition to their core network services. The focus of WBA is to facilitate inter-operator/cross-standard wireless broadband roaming and collaboration between its members to create and deliver simplified user experience to the end-customers.

WBA aims to enhance customer experience and value propositions for wireless broadband service. The three strategic objectives of WBA are:

• Driving wireless broadband services adoption throughout the world for the benefit of its Members
• Establishing a recognised Alliance brand with QoS and standards of service
• Creating additional opportunities for extended co-operation and potentially leveraging cross-network services for service differentiation

Alliance Members will distinguish significantly by:

• leveraging the collective presence of Alliance Members in strategic locations (e.g. airports, expo and conference centres, major hotels, etc.) across the world
• building and promoting the visibility of a common Wireless Broadband Alliance 'logo' to differentiate their collective presence around the world
• facilitating collaboration between Member operators to deliver enhanced service experience to the customers supported by consistent service across the locations covered by Member operators

.

Membership to the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) is open to all operators who provide a mobile, fixed or broadband service - or a combination of these.

WBA Membership structure facilitates operators and industry players to participate to their desired level of participation. Membership is offered as per the bylaws of WBA. Each category has its associated benefits and privileges.

Principal Member
General Member
Group Member
Roaming Partner
Affiliate Partner

Principal Member
Must be in the business of offering wireless broadband services in its Home Jurisdiction, preferably having presence in some of the strategic locations in its Home Jurisdiction such as airports, conference and trade centres.

Must be able to support WBA user experience requirements for roaming implementation

General Member
Must be a telecom operator able to bring additional wireless broadband coverage or users to WBA Members and have an ability to enter into or facilitate bilateral contracts and must be able to support WBA user experience requirements for roaming implementation

Group Member
Must be affiliate company of an existing Principal Member or General Member of WBA and have an ability to enter into or facilitate bilateral contracts and must be able to support WBA user experience requirements for roaming implementation

Roaming Partner
Must own and operate wireless broadband network and must be able to support WBA user experience requirements for roaming implementation

Affiliate Partner
Must be an industry player with interest in the growth of wireless broadband business and must be willing to support WBA’s co-marketing and branding objectives.