Eduroam Wireless Transition
The University of Alberta is transitioning its primary wireless service from UWS to eduroam . The UWS network is scheduled to be decommissioned on August 15, 2026.
To provide a more seamless and reliable connection for our campus community, IST is consolidating our wireless networks. By moving to eduroam , students, faculty and staff will gain a single, secure login that works not only at the U of A but at thousands of research and education institutions worldwide.
Why are we making this change?
- Improved stability: Reducing the number of available networks (SSIDs) prevents devices from "jumping" between signals, which often leads to dropped connections.
- Simplified support: A single configuration reduces setup confusion and allows IST to provide faster, more accurate troubleshooting.
- Global connectivity: Set up your connection once at the U of A, and it will automatically work at MacEwan, NAIT, many City of Edmonton sites (libraries, rec centers, transit), and universities globally.
What You Need to Do
To ensure you stay connected, please complete the following steps before August 15, 2026 :
1. Switch to eduroam
Follow the Solution Article for step-by-step instructions.
Important: You must use your full email address as your username: yourCCID@ualberta.ca . Using only your CCID will result in a login failure.
2. "Forget" the UWS Network
To prevent your device from trying to connect to the old network, you must remove or "forget" the UWS configuration from your saved networks in your device settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is eduroam?
eduroam ( education roaming) is a secure, worldwide roaming access service. It allows you to use your U of A credentials to get instant internet access at any participating institution. Your password remains encrypted and is only verified by the U of A — it is never shared with the site you are visiting.
I’m having trouble connecting to eduroam. What should I do?
If your connection is unstable, it is usually due to a "saved" UWS configuration.
- Forget both UWS and eduroam from your device settings.
- Re-add eduroam using your CCID@ualberta.ca credentials.
- Consult the Solution Article for specific device settings.
Isn’t UWS faster or more "premium" than eduroam?
No. Both networks currently run on the exact same physical infrastructure. They offer the same speeds, security controls, and performance. The only functional difference between them is the network name (SSID) and the login format.
How does this affect AHS/Health site users?
Wireless services in AHS spaces are managed by the AHS IT team.
- UWS will be transitioned to eduroam by AHS IT staff on or around August 15. Users who primarily connect inside AHS spaces will receive direct communication as the transition date for those specific locations approaches.
Get Support
If you encounter any issues during the transition, help is available:
- Vera (AI chat bot Support): Click the chat bubble in the lower-right corner of this page and select "Connecting to U of A Wi-Fi" for interactive troubleshooting.
- IT Service Desk: If you require further assistance, contact the IT Service Desk at 780-492-8000 .