Support for organizations

There are three ways to create an account:

Via the app (most used)
You download the Publicroam app from the App Store or Google Play. Your smartphone will then connect to Publicroam automatically. You can connect other devices using the login details found in the app (under Menu → My account → Login details).

Via the website
You can request an account via the registration page. You will receive an SMS with your login details.

Via SMS
Send an SMS with publicroam to 0970 10 260 261. You will immediately receive an SMS with personal login details.

No. Publicroam ensures that you connect automatically at all participating locations. Sign up once, and you are online everywhere immediately.

Publicroam uses the same security standards used on business networks, educational institutions, and government networks.

Unlike many traditional guest Wi-Fi networks, Publicroam does not work with shared passwords or unsecured open access. Every user has their own account and connects via a secure authentication method.

Publicroam uses, among other things:

• WPA2-Enterprise and WPA3-Enterprise;
• IEEE 802.1X;
• EAP authentication;
• certificate verification.

This significantly reduces the risk of misuse, fake Wi-Fi networks, and the interception of network traffic.

Users create an account once and can then connect automatically and securely at all connected Publicroam locations.

Yes. Publicroam is designed with privacy and security as a starting point.

• Your data is sent and stored in an encrypted format.
• Publicroam helps prevent connections to fake Wi-Fi networks.
• We only collect data that is necessary to make the service work properly.
• Personal data is not sold to third parties.
• Publicroam complies with European privacy laws (AVG/GDPR).

Do you want to know exactly which data is processed and how long it is kept? Please check our privacy statement for end users or contact us.

Organizations that offer Publicroam pay an annual participation fee and a one-time connection fee. For this, please visit the rates page. Publicroam is free for users.

Publicroam is available at 1,750+ locations at libraries, municipalities, healthcare institutions, museums, theaters, sports centers, etc. Read more about all organizations and locations on the participants page

Organizations can easily add Publicroam to their existing Wi-Fi network. On the participation website you will find all information about the possibilities, technical requirements, and the registration process.

The first time, they create a Publicroam account. After that, they connect automatically at all connected locations.

There are three ways to create an account:

Via the app (most used) Users download the Publicroam app via the App Store or Google Play. Smartphones then connect automatically to Publicroam. Other devices can be set up using the details from the app.

Via the website Users can request an account via the login page. They will then receive an SMS with login details to set up devices manually.

Via SMS Users can also send an SMS with "Publicroam" to 0970 10 260 261 (or internationally: +31 970 10 260 261). After that, they automatically receive the login details via SMS.

Publicroam offers a significantly more secure alternative than traditional open guest WiFi networks.

In many organisations, not only visitors but also employees regularly use guest WiFi networks. That is exactly why good security is very important. Open WiFi networks without strong authentication bring extra risks, both for users and for organisations.

Publicroam uses security standards such as:

• WPA2-Enterprise and WPA3-Enterprise;
• IEEE 802.1X;
• EAP authentication;
• encrypted network access

This limits various common risks, such as:

• connecting to a fake network (“evil twin” or fake hotspot);
• intercepting network traffic on open WiFi networks;
• misuse of shared WiFi passwords;
• unauthorized access to the network;
• phishing via malicious WiFi networks;

In addition, organisations no longer need to manage separate guest accounts, captive portals, or shared passwords. This reduces the management burden and ensures a more user-friendly and more secure WiFi experience for visitors and employees.

Users create one Publicroam account and can then connect automatically and securely at connected locations.

Publicroam is designed with privacy and security as a starting point, so that employees and visitors can connect to WiFi safely.

• Data is sent and stored in an encrypted format.
• Publicroam helps prevent connection to fake WiFi networks.
• Only data that is necessary for the service to function is processed.
• Personal data is not sold to third parties.
• Publicroam complies with European privacy laws (GDPR).

Do you want to know more about data processing, retention periods, or privacy? Please view the privacy statement for end users or contact us.

No, in most cases, Publicroam actually results in less management work.

Publicroam is designed to make guest WiFi simpler, safer, and more user-friendly for both organisations and users. Because users create and manage a Publicroam account themselves, organisations need to provide less manual support.

In addition, many traditional management activities regarding guest WiFi are no longer necessary, such as:

• creating and distributing temporary guest accounts;
• managing shared WiFi passwords;
• supporting captive portals or login pages;
• resetting guest accounts or passwords;
• answering recurring questions about WiFi access.

Furthermore, users connect automatically at other connected locations, meaning returning visitors also need less support.

For most organisations, management mainly consists of:

• the one-time configuration of the WiFi infrastructure;
• distributing communication materials;

Publicroam supports organisations with documentation, manuals, and communication materials for users.

You can find the rates for Publicroam on the rates page

Publicroam is available at over 1,750+ locations, including libraries, municipalities, healthcare institutions, museums, theaters, and sports centers.

Users can connect automatically at all connected locations. An up-to-date overview of all locations can be found on the location page.

Yes. Publicroam itself does not impose restrictions on the use of internet services or protocols, but organisations can set additional restrictions on their own WiFi network.

For example, it is possible to:

• block certain websites or services;
• limit VPN traffic;
• limit bandwidth per user;
• limit streaming or download traffic;
• apply additional firewall and security rules.

These settings are managed by the organisation itself and not by Publicroam. This allows every location to maintain control over its own network policy and the security of the WiFi network.

Please keep in mind that restrictions can affect the user experience of visitors. We therefore advise carefully aligning network restrictions with the purpose of the WiFi network.

Publicroam does not set fixed requirements for the available internet bandwidth of a location. The service itself uses very little bandwidth, because Publicroam only provides the secure authentication of users on the WiFi network.

The required capacity depends mainly on:

• The number of simultaneous users;
• The type of use (for example, email, video calling, or streaming);
• The quality of the WiFi infrastructure.

For a good user experience, we advise having at least enough capacity available for normal internet use by guests and visitors. In practice, this usually means:

• a stable internet connection;
• sufficient WiFi coverage;
• and sufficient capacity per simultaneous user.

As a general guideline:

• for basic use (email, browsing, messaging): approximately 2–5 Mbps per active user;
• for video calling or more intensive use: approximately 10+ Mbps per active user.

Publicroam does not limit bandwidth itself. Organisations can set their own limits or fair-use policies on their WiFi network if desired.

Are you unsure if your current network is suitable for Publicroam? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you think about a suitable setup for your WiFi environment.

Users create a Publicroam account only once. After that, they can automatically connect to all connected Publicroam locations.

There are three ways to create an account:

Via the Publicroam app (most used) Users download the Publicroam app via the App Store or Google Play. Smartphones can then automatically connect to publicroam networks. Other devices can be set up manually using the details from the app.

Via the website Users can request an account via the login page on the Publicroam website. They will then receive an SMS with login details to set up their device manually.

Via SMS Users can also send an SMS with the word publicroam to 0970 10 260 261 (international: +31 970 10 260 261). They will then automatically receive their login details via SMS.

For visitors who do not have a mobile phone or cannot receive an SMS, a participating organisation can request a temporary week account.

A week account can, for example, be provided by the reception or service desk. The same account can be used by multiple people.

The account consists of:

• a fixed username (for example libraryname@temp)
• a temporary password that changes automatically every week

Every Monday around 05:00, we automatically send the new password by email. The account is valid for one week.

What do we need from you?

• the desired username (the part before @temp)
  For example: libraryname@temp
• the email addresses where the weekly password may be received

Request a week account? Contact us via the contact page.

Publicroam follows a restrictive retention policy and does not store account data longer than necessary for the functioning, securing, and supporting of the service.

The most important retention periods are:

• Account data, such as username, password, email address, and phone number, are stored as long as the Publicroam account is active. When an account is terminated, this data will be removed within six months at the latest. If a user does not use Publicroam for 12 months, the account may be automatically terminated.
• Technical data, such as MAC addresses and connection data from WiFi guest networks, are stored for a maximum of three months.

In some cases, data may be stored longer if there is a legal obligation to do so or when it is necessary to investigate or prevent abuse.

More information can be found in the Privacy statement of Publicroam.

Yes. A Publicroam account can be used on multiple personal devices, such as a phone, laptop, and tablet.

Users create an account once and can then set up multiple devices for automatic connection to publicroam networks.

Publicroam offers support and explanations for this to end users via the app, website, and manuals.

The Terms of Use assume a maximum of three devices per account. However, this is not a hard technical limit. In practice, users can often link more devices when necessary.

Publicroam is intended for personal use by one user on their own devices.

No. Publicroam accounts are managed centrally by Publicroam and not by individual connected organisations.

As a result, organisations do not have access to user account management and cannot modify, manage, or block accounts themselves.

This prevents local management burdens and contributes to a uniform and privacy-friendly operation of the Publicroam network.

In most cases, this is not necessary. Users can independently and easily create a Publicroam account via the app, website, or SMS.

Publicroam is specifically designed to work without complex user management or manual onboarding.

However, we are happy to support organisations with adoption through:

• internal communication to employees;
• introduction campaigns;
• manuals and instructions.

No. Publicroam is not intended for tracking or profiling users.

Connected organisations may not use Publicroam to build user behavior, movements, or personal profiles via the roaming platform.

Publicroam is designed with privacy as a starting point and only processes data that is necessary for secure authentication and the functioning of the service.

No. Publicroam does not process internet traffic, browsing behavior, or the content of data traffic.

Publicroam only handles the authentication of users on the WiFi network. The actual internet traffic runs directly through the network of the connected organisation.

This means that Publicroam has no insight into:

• visited websites;
• internet usage;
• application traffic;
• content of communication.

The connected organisation remains responsible for its own WiFi network and the processing of any network traffic within that network.

Publicroam offers various communication materials that allow visitors to see immediately that secure guest wifi is available.

Organisations can use, among other things:

• stickers for doors, windows, and workspaces;
• flyers with explanations and a QR code to the app;
• tent cards for counters, tables, and meeting rooms;
• narrowcasting screens;
• communication materials for their own website.

Most materials contain a QR code that allows visitors to download the Publicroam app directly or receive instructions on setting up their device.

The communication materials are available free of charge for connected organisations. To do this, go to the order page.

Yes. Publicroam offers communication materials and short manuals that allow staff to easily help visitors.

Available items include:

• a short manual for employees;
• communication guides;
• standard texts for internal communication.

We advise organisations to briefly inform employees about Publicroam in advance. In practice, usage usually becomes intuitive.

Yes. Publicroam offers communication materials in 10 languages (including Polish, Ukrainian, and Arabic), so that international visitors can also easily use the network.

In addition, the Publicroam website and the mobile app are available in several languages, including:

• Dutch;
• English;
• French;
• Spanish;
• German;
• Italian.

This allows users to easily create an account and connect to Publicroam, even in international environments.

No, extensive explanation is usually not necessary.

Publicroam is designed to be easy to use. Users can independently create an account via the app, website, or SMS and then connect automatically at connected locations.

In addition, Publicroam supports organisations with:

• communication materials;
• manuals;
• a central helpdesk for end users.

As a result, the extra workload for receptions, counters, and local ICT helpdesks usually remains limited.