Abstract. This work discusses the evolution of W-LANs from their current status of wireless termination of LAN services to a possible
global infrastructure where the access networks become open to multiple operators and a vehicle of a win-win scenario, where both users
and operators benefit from the new network architecture. The idea of Open Access Networks (OANs) can go beyond wireless HotSpots and
be generalized to a generic shared access infrastructure that fosters service operators competition and drastically reduces the cost of last
mile coverage.
The general concept of Open Access Networks is detailed, highlighting its difference with the more traditional model of vertical integration
of the access network into the global service. About the OANs development, it is shown how to support the quick and smooth evolution of
the infrastructure toward a widespread and reliable communication support.
Business models are discussed by mentioning the different actors, the market organization and the different organization forms.
The final part of the paper is devoted to technical challenges such as access control, security, privacy, roaming, resource exploitation and
service differentiation. As an example of how to tackle these problems, we discuss a pricing technique devoted to resource management and
billing support.