Wireless connectivity and 5G are changing the way we live and work, but what does it take to integrate these technologies? I spoke with Bruno Thomas, CTO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), to get his thoughts on convergence, collaboration and what's next.
Question: Bruno, could you first tell us a little about your background and your role in the WBA?
Bruno: Absolutely. I am an engineer by training, with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Master's degree in Telecommunications Systems. I started my career at Portugal Telecom and then worked in Brazil working on network standards. About 12 years ago I joined WBA and my role has focused on developing standards for seamless interoperability and convergence between Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE and now 5G. At WBA, we bring together vendors, operators and integrators to create technical specifications and guidelines that drive wireless innovation and usability.
Q: What are the key challenges in ensuring seamless integration of wireless and 5G technologies?
Bruno: One of our biggest challenges is ensuring that our work translates into real-world use cases, especially in enterprise and public service environments. For example, in manufacturing or warehousing, where metal structures and interference can disrupt communications, we need reliable solutions to start with. At WBA, we've worked with partners in the vendor, chipset, and device communities, as well as integrators, to address these challenges by creating field-tested guidance. On top of that, it's innovation. For example, our OpenRoaming concepts help ensure a seamless transition between networks, including the Internet of Things, making the work of IT managers and CIOs easier.
Question: Could you explain how the WBA Tiger Teams contribute to these decisions?
Bruno: Tiger Teams are specialized working groups within our alliance. They bring together technical experts from companies such as AT&T, Intel, Broadcom and AirTies to collaborate on specific solutions. For example, in our 5G and Wi-Fi Convergence group, members define requirements and scenarios for industries such as aerospace or healthcare. By doing this, we ensure that our recommendations are practical and ready for practical use. This collaborative approach helps stimulate innovation while solving real-world problems.
Question: You mentioned OpenRoaming earlier. How will this help businesses and consumers?
Bruno: OpenRoaming simplifies connectivity by allowing users to seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks without the need for manual login or setup. Imagine a hospital where doctors move between different buildings using tablets to care for patients, supported by increased security. With OpenRoaming, they can stay connected without interruption. Likewise, for businesses, it minimizes the need for extensive IT support and reduces costs while providing high-quality service.
Question: How are things going now with the introduction of technologies such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6?
Bruno: Adoption rates are growing rapidly, but unevenly across regions. Wi-Fi 6 is a game changer, offering improved modulation and spectrum management, making it ideal for high-density environments such as factories or stadiums. In terms of 5G, private networks have been announced, especially in industries such as manufacturing, but integration with existing systems remains a hurdle. In Europe, regulatory and infrastructure issues are slowing the pace of development, while in the US and Asia-Pacific regions the situation is moving faster.
Question: What role do you see AI playing in the convergence of wireless and 5G?
Bruno: AI is critical to optimizing network performance and real-time decision making. At WBA, we have launched an initiative to bring artificial intelligence to wireless networks, helping systems predict and adapt to user needs. For example, artificial intelligence can manage the network, deciding whether a device should stay on Wi-Fi or switch to 5G based on signal quality and usage patterns. This type of automation will be important as networks become more complex.
Question: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of wireless and 5G?
Bruno: The potential of convergence to create new use cases is incredibly exciting. Whether it's smart cities, advanced manufacturing, or immersive experiences with AR and VR, the possibilities are endless. Wi-Fi 7 will provide even greater capacity and coverage, enabling gigabit speeds in densely populated areas such as stadiums or city centers. Conversely, we are starting to look at 6G. One trend is clear: Wi-Fi should be integrated into the 6G fabric, which will enable densification. At WBA, we are committed to ensuring these advancements are accessible, interoperable, and sustainable.
Thank you Bruno!
Note. The WBA Industry Report 2025 is now published and available for download. Please click Here for more information.
Fast Wireless and 5G connection first appeared on Gigaom.
