Tokyo and the WBA Sign MOU on OpenRoaming Wi-Fi Partnership

Introduction

On January 27, 2026, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), an international wireless communication industry organization. Through this partnership, the TMG will accelerate the efforts to realize a truly "Connected Tokyo" ―including the expanded deployment of OpenRoaming, an innovative platform that enables seamless, secure and automatic Wi-Fi access across the city.

Tokyo already boasts one of the world's highest 5G population coverage rates (99.8 percent). To　ensure redundancy through multiple communication channels during disasters and meet diverse user needs, it is vital to complement 5G with public Wi-Fi―especially as inbound demand grows and Tokyo moves forwards with its digital initiatives. 
 

Current Status & Achievement

By March 2025, Tokyo had installed Wi-Fi at 859 metropolitan facilities and supported installations at 175 municipal locations.　Going forward, the city plans to expand Wi-Fi coverage　by utilizing public telephone booths and vending machines, making connectivity even more accessible.

 
Telephone Booth in Shinjuku City

Today, Tokyo’s public Wi-Fi is accessed more than 20 million times per month, serving residents and travelers alike. Through continued OpenRoaming expansion, Tokyo is moving toward a truly "Connected Tokyo"―a city where safe, seamless connectivity supports everyday life and resilience in times of need.

Challenges

Tokyo is committed to resolving the following challenges to deliver a more robust and reliable communication environment.

1. Securing Communications During Disasters and for Inbound Support

In emergencies, communication is a lifeline.  Evacuees and stranded commuters must be able to access disaster and support information, making the redundancy of communication channels essential. Moreover, international visitors need easy access to tourist and transportation information.

2. Sharing Information Domestically and Internationally

There is a need to raise awareness of both the safety and convenience of OpenRoaming Wi-Fi services.

3. Improving Quality of Life (QoL) for Residents

A robust and secure communications infrastructure is indispensable for enhancing residents’ quality of life. There is a growing demand for a next-generation Wi-Fi standard that provide safe and highly convenient connectivity.

Initiatives

In collaboration with the WBA, the TMG will advance the following initiatives:

1. Promotion of Wi-Fi deployment by private sector companies for Wi-Fi usage including during disasters and for Inbound tourism

The TMG and the WBA will encourage WBA member companies and other private sector companies to introduce OpenRoaming-enabled Wi-Fi to stores and facilities in Tokyo.

2. Enhancement of International outreach by promoting the achievements of an OpenRoaming-enabled Wi-Fi environment

The two organizations will promote the utilization of Wi-Fi connection data for disaster response and other public purposes, and will jointly disseminate initiatives undertaken with the WBA both domestically and internationally, including through international conferences such as the Wireless Global Congress.

3. Promotion of the Development of New Technologies through Joint Demonstration Projects and other Initiatives

They will promote the application of a new Wi-Fi standard originating from Tokyo and other technologies by drawing on the technical expertise of the WBA and utilizing the urban environment of Tokyo.

To find out more about OpenRoaming Wi-Fi and related initiatives, please refer to the link below.

• Making Tokyo's Public Wi-Fi Seamless with OpenRoaming | TOKYO UPDATES [The Official Information Website of Tokyo Metropolitan Government]
• Tokyo’s Good Old Phone Booths Morphing Into Innovative Wi-Fi Hotspots Via OpenRoaming -TMG