Initiation

In 2003, there were over 20 Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) in Taiwan. Each WISP had their own way to provide service, which caused difficulties in customer and resource sharing. It also meant high infrastructure investment and low interoperability.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Industrial Development Bureau (MOEAIDB), the Institute for Information Industry (III) was commissioned to set up a Roaming Center to provide a wireless broadband roaming mechanism and to serve as a common service platform providing nationwide and international roaming services in Taiwan.

Purpose

lNo matter if the users are Wi-Fi or WiMAX users, to provide a convenient, barrier-free, secure, and easy to access wireless environment.

lTo assist local wireless internet service providers in accessing low-cost global roaming services.

Function

The main function of the Roaming Center is to provide a single roaming interface for all entities to decrease the cost of technical testing. These fundamental common services are for all entities (campuses, ISPs, WISPs, and operators) including: AAA Services (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting), consulting services, and technical support.

Roaming Mechanism

Current Service Status (until March 2009)

Until March 2008, the Roaming Center served over 1,200 entities and provided more than 1 million users the right to access wireless internet by accessing their single account. These entities included: