Passpoint, also known as Hotspot 2.0, is a technology which allows mobile devices with cellular service to automatically connect to a secure Wi-Fi network to mitigate service quality issues related to poor cellular network coverage.
Dartmouth ITC has enabled Passpoint technology for the main campus Wi-Fi network. Visitors to campus may find that their mobile devices automatically connect to Passpoint when in range of this service. Passpoint is not a replacement for eduroam or Dartmouth Public. All Dartmouth users should continue to use eduroam on all devices that support it.
The Passpoint network that Dartmouth provides is similar to Dartmouth Public – it provides access to the Internet only. Devices that connect to the Passpoint network cannot access internal network resources. Mobile devices using Passpoint can also securely connect to their cellular provider’s systems for voice calling and SMS message service.
If your device is configured to connect to eduroam and is in range of the eduroam network, it will not automatically connect to Passpoint. eduroam is preferred by devices over Passpoint. Other Wi-Fi networks saved on your device are also preferred over Passpoint.
Not all devices or cellular providers support Passpoint. Currently, the list of providers that Dartmouth’s Passpoint service supports are:
- AT&T
- Google Fi
- T-Mobile
- WeFi (Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs from the FCC)
Other service providers that leverage these major carriers’ networks may also be able to connect to Passpoint. Support for other providers will be added as it becomes available.
Dartmouth ITC cannot troubleshoot issues with a device’s ability to use Passpoint. For questions about whether your device supports Passpoint, you will need to contact your service provider.