What is Passpoint or Hotspot 2.0?

The WiFi Alliance launched Passpoint in 2012, with a goal to transform the Wi-Fi hotspot experience.

Passpoint (also known as Hotspot 2.0), is a technology that allows mobile devices to automatically connect to available Passpoint-certified WiFi hotspots. This technology gives the device liberty to hop from one hotspot on a network to another without the need log in to each hotspot. It is based upon the IEEE 802.11u protocol. 

The Passpoint connection is protected by WPA 2 security that guarantees secured wireless network, with no risk of stolen data or other cyber-threats.

Prior to the launch of Passpoint, if a user wanted to connect their mobile device to a hotspot, they needed to repeat the login process each time the hotspot changed. But with Passpoint on connection to a single hotspot, user credentials are transferred to all the hotspots on the network, eliminating the need for users to find and authenticate their device each time they connect to a new hotspot.

Other features that Passpoint delivers to service providers:

• Supports data offload with instant network detection, selection, and authentication
• Enables new value streams through inter-carrier Wi-Fi roaming, reaching new devices and new venues for the existing subscriber base
• Increases customer satisfaction and reduces churn
• Offers best-in-class security for SIM and non-SIM devices alike

WiFi Alliance has a Passpoint certification program based on Wi-Fi Alliance Hotspot 2.0 Specifications. Products that have passed certification testing according to the Hotspot 2.0 test plan may use the Passpoint name.