Hotspot 2.0 networks are designed to be simple to use. On a technical level, it’s based on the 802.11u Wi-Fi standard. Some companies call this feature “Passpoint” or “Next Generation Hotspots” instead. Hotspot 2.0 networks require enterprise-grade WPA2 encryption.

Encryption is Mandatory: Many current public Wi-Fi hotspots are open Wi-Fi networks, which means people can snoop on your browsing.

The goal is for Comcast to partner with other hotspot providers, so Comcast customers could get online on other hotspot provider networks and other companies’ customers could get online at Comcast hotspots. Let’s say, for example, you have Comcast Xfinity internet at home, which includes access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.

Network Providers Can Band Together: Hotspot 2.0 networks are designed to work better when service providers partner with other providers.

You don’t have to guess whether “FREE_AIRPORT_WIFI” is the real network, connect manually, and click through a sign-in screen.

Public Hotspots Become Easier and More Secure: When you visit an airport or coffee shop, your device will automatically know which is the real public airport Wi-Fi network and connect automatically.

As you move around the world, your device will connect you to available public hotspots automatically. The goal of Hotspot 2.0 networks is to provide cellular-style “roaming” for Wi-Fi networks.

Personal hotspot 2 connections