Canary Wharf Goes Hyper‑Connected: OpenRoaming Makes Wi‑Fi a Breeze
Canary Wharf Group (CWG), partnered with Cisco and Virgin Media, unveiled the first European commercial rollout of OpenRoaming for the residents of Canary Wharf’s newest residential communities. Picture this: the moment you step out, your phone hops from one Wi‑Fi hotspot to another without you hitting “login.”
What’s OpenRoaming and Why It’s a Game‑Changer
- Seamless Mobile Roaming + Wi‑Fi 6 – Devices automatically connect to secure networks, ditching the tedious login steps.
- Up to four times faster speeds thanks to Cisco Meraki Wi‑Fi 6 access points.
- Smart, location‑based analytics let businesses create custom services for customers.
In today’s “new normal,” where most organisations are pivoting to hybrid work models, OpenRoaming delivers a fast, secure, and automated Wi‑Fi experience for more than 20,000 businesses, independent shops, cafés, and even a planned school at Wood Wharf.
Why Wood Wharf Loves It
Wood Wharf is a five‑million‑square‑foot mixed‑use development with 3,000+ homes and 2 million sq ft of retail space. The OpenRoaming initiative means:
- • Residents at 10 George Street, 10 Park Drive get a secure, trusted connection that follows them from their door all the way to the Tube.
- • The Wi‑Fi stays seamless as they move between apartments, commercial areas, and public spaces.
Virgin Media’s Gigabit Push
Virgin Media has expanded its gigabit‑capable network, connecting over 1,000 homes in the past year and planning to reach 4,000 homes plus public spaces. New arrivals can enjoy a pre‑installation service that gets them online the same day they move in.
Leadership Voices
Shobi Khan, CWG CEO: “Connectivity is now a critical utility. Our customers demand world‑class digital infrastructure. The rollout of Wi‑Fi 6 and OpenRoaming is pivotal to our evolving user experience.”
Jeanie York, Virgin Media CTO: “People rely on us to stay connected. By offering a seamless, secure Wi‑Fi platform, users can carry their connection on the go, bringing them closer to what matters most.”
David Meads, Cisco UK & Ireland CEO: “The future of work is here. OpenRoaming and Wi‑Fi 6 give businesses the robust digital foundation they need to grow in the digital economy.”
Smart Data For Smart Spaces
CWG will use Cisco DNA Spaces to provide landlords and tenants with data analytics, helping optimize workspace design. The solution offers:
- Location‑based services
- End‑user engagement
- Wayfinding – so guests can find meeting rooms or shops with ease.
WBA OpenRoaming Explained
The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) federation allows trusted identity providers (e.g., your ISP or device maker) to auto‑authenticate devices on any member network. First proven in 2019 at MWC Barcelona, the technology has been tested in remote locations like Orkney.
Canary Wharf’s deployment follows a successful commercial trial, marking a milestone in hyper‑connected living and working.
Stay in the Loop
Subscribe to get real‑time updates about this category straight to your device.
