WBA deploys OpenRoaming at SBB train stations in Switzerland

The Wireless Broadband Alliance has launched OpenRoaming at Swiss Federal Railways train stations with Wi-Fi coverage and at SBB office buildings, aiming to make public Wi-Fi seamless, secure and automatic. The rollout, done with Swiss network specialist onway, gives travelers and employees one profile for access across SBB sites and participating OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide.

Why it matters: - The deployment is meant to remove repeated Wi-Fi logins for passengers and employees at SBB sites. - OpenRoaming can make public transport Wi-Fi feel more like cellular data, with automatic and secure connection across participating networks. - SBB users with an OpenRoaming profile can also connect at participating hotspots worldwide, not just in Switzerland. - The rollout supports a more consistent digital journey for travelers moving between venues, cities and countries.

What happened: - The Wireless Broadband Alliance announced the deployment of OpenRoaming across Swiss Federal Railways train stations with existing Wi-Fi coverage and SBB corporate office buildings in Switzerland. - Swiss network specialist onway implemented the deployment. - The announcement dates to Nov. 3, 2026. - SBB now operates inside the OpenRoaming federation as both an Access Network Provider and an Identity Provider.

The details: - OpenRoaming is a global Wi-Fi roaming federation built on Passpoint technology and a federated identity framework. - The system lets devices connect automatically and securely without repeated captive portals, forms or SMS verification codes. - SBB OpenRoaming profile holders can use the service across participating SBB locations and other OpenRoaming Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide. - International visitors can download the SBB OpenRoaming profile before traveling in Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Lichtenstein. - Users in Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Lichtenstein can download the profile at openroaming.sbb.ch/en. - The WBA says OpenRoaming uses standards-based enterprise-grade authentication and encryption to reduce risks tied to traditional public Wi-Fi onboarding. - The deployment is positioned for transport operators that want secure, managed Wi-Fi at scale with simpler onboarding.

Between the lines: - The rollout shows OpenRoaming moving from a technical standard to a live mobility service in a national rail environment. - The SBB deployment also signals that rail networks may be using identity-based Wi-Fi as part of the passenger experience, not just a basic amenity. - Onway’s role points to identity management as a core part of making roaming Wi-Fi work across venues and borders.

What's next: - The WBA says more venues, network operators and identity providers are joining the OpenRoaming ecosystem. - Users with an SBB OpenRoaming profile should be able to keep using compatible devices at participating OpenRoaming hotspots worldwide. - More travelers in neighboring European markets may download the SBB profile before crossing into Switzerland. - More information is available at the OpenRoaming overview.