Academic City Higashihiroshima's Free Wi-Fi Evolves: Net One Systems and NTTBP Achieve OpenRoaming Compatibility

Net One Systems Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takashi Takeshita; hereinafter Net One Systems) and NTT Broadband Platform Inc. (President: Naruharu Kato; hereinafter NTTBP) have provided "Higashihiroshima Free Wi-Fi" compatible with OpenRoaming*1 as part of the public wireless LAN development in Higashihiroshima City.

Amidst the recovery of inbound tourism and the growing demand for regional revitalization through digital transformation, this initiative enables citizens, students, and visitors to connect to public wireless LAN without the hassle of login operations or connection procedures each time they use it, simply by setting up their compatible devices once. By providing a seamless communication environment, it contributes to enhancing the attractiveness of Higashihiroshima City and promoting regional DX.

Net One Systems is responsible for the construction and operation of the OpenRoaming-compatible public wireless LAN environment, while NTTBP provides the Japan Wi-Fi authentication service and support for the smartphone application "Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect." This enables users to easily and smoothly utilize OpenRoaming while minimizing the introduction and operational burden associated with OpenRoaming compatibility.

■ Background

Higashihiroshima City is home to many universities and research institutions, attracting a diverse range of people including students, researchers, and tourists. However, traditional public wireless LANs posed challenges due to the time-consuming authentication procedures required for each use, failing to provide sufficient convenience for citizens and visitors. Against this backdrop, there was a growing need to develop and enhance a public wireless LAN environment that allows citizens and visitors to connect to the internet comfortably regardless of location.

■ Overview

- Development of an OpenRoaming-compatible public wireless LAN environment

Higashihiroshima City has established an OpenRoaming-compatible public wireless LAN environment, enabling automatic connection with compatible devices at public facilities within the city. This allows users to move between compatible access points and use the wireless LAN without the need for re-registration.

Operation utilizing the Japan Wi-Fi authentication service

This initiative provides an environment where users can easily operate OpenRoaming through the utilization of NTTBP's "Japan Wi-Fi authentication service" and support for the smartphone application "Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect."

■ Roles of Each Company

Net One Systems

- Design, construction, and operation of network infrastructure, including public wireless LAN

NTTBP

Provides a profile download site for users to perform easy setup within the "International Roaming Method" of the Japan Wi-Fi authentication service

Reference site:

https://www.ntt-bp.net/product/service/openroaming/index.html

Support for the free Wi-Fi auto-connect app "Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect"

Ensures smooth OpenRoaming usage for all users, including foreign visitors, and lists available spots on a map.

■ Expected Benefits

Increased city circulation and extended stay duration: By enabling stress-free internet access without connection drops, users can actively gather tourist information and post on social media, which is expected to promote local exploration and longer stays for tourists.

Enhanced appeal as an international city: With the globally deployed OpenRoaming, the service supports a diverse range of users, including Japanese residents, international students, and foreign visitors, thereby contributing to the city's appeal as an international hub.

■ Future Developments

1. Expanding collaboration with public wireless LAN construction businesses

Through this initiative, Net One Systems and NTTBP will expand collaborations to help SI vendors and businesses implement optimal public wireless LAN solutions.

2. Enhancing support for municipalities and implementing businesses

Leveraging the expertise of both companies, they will provide support to enable municipalities and implementing businesses to easily adopt OpenRoaming, contributing to the promotion of regional DX.

3. Promoting the utilization of inbound data

They will promote the use of inbound data, such as usage trends of foreign visitors, to help improve regional tourism and services and support marketing strategies.

Net One Systems and NTTBP will continue to leverage their respective strengths, deepen their collaboration in advanced network service fields like OpenRoaming, and aim to provide greater value to more municipalities and companies.

■ Reference Sites

Japan Wi-Fi Authentication Service

https://www.ntt-bp.net/product/service/freewifi/index.html

*1: For details on OpenRoaming, please visit the following site:

https://www.ntt-bp.net/product/service/openroaming/index.html

■ Related Releases

This release focuses on the collaborative efforts of Net One Systems and NTTBP regarding OpenRoaming compatibility, as part of the "Announcement Regarding the Construction of Network Infrastructure in Higashihiroshima City" released on May 14, 2026. For an overview of the overall public wireless LAN business, please refer to the following official release:

Net One Systems Constructs Next-Generation Network Infrastructure for Higashihiroshima City to Centrally Manage In-house and Public Wireless LAN

About Net One Systems Co., Ltd.

Net One Systems Co., Ltd. is a company that contributes to a sustainable society by providing services that create social and economic value through the utilization of ICT, as a group of ICT experts with excellent technical capabilities and the ability to discern value. They constantly monitor global cutting-edge technology trends, verify and implement their combinations, and deliver utilization know-how by practicing them in-house.
Net One Systems | https://www.netone.co.jp/

About NTT Broadband Platform Inc.

NTT Broadband Platform Inc. supports municipalities, commercial facilities, and tourist hubs that operate free Wi-Fi and OpenRoaming by leveraging over 20 years of expertise and assets cultivated in the construction and operation of wireless LAN systems, providing support with the latest wireless technology.

Furthermore, they provide optimal solutions through collaboration with related manufacturers and SI vendors, striving to realize advanced and stable "connectivity" environments in various scenarios.

NTTBP | NTT Broadband Platform

* Company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.