Can we quantify the value of Wi-Fi in dollars and cents? How much does Wi-Fi contribute to the economy? How much is it worth to you?

This week, WifiForward hosted a webinar where Alex Roytblat from Wi-Fi Alliance analyzed two studies on the impact of Wi-Fi and its role in mitigating negative impacts from the pandemic. 

Let’s recap:

 

The first study showed:

• The global value of Wi-Fi in 2025 ($4.9T) represents a 150% increase from 2018 estimate ($1.96T).
• Wi-Fi 6/6E is forecasted to add $527.5B in 2025.
• In the U.S. alone, the value of Wi-Fi in 2025 is estimated to be $1.6T.

 

The second study found:

• At the beginning of the pandemic, global Wi-Fi traffic increased by 80%.
• There was a 70% to 94% increase in Wi-Fi use between 9 AM to 5 PM.

The role and impact of Wi-Fi, around the world, was rising before the pandemic, but it has only quickened its pace since with no signs of slowing down in a post-COVID world. As Roytblat concluded in the webinar, “Wi-Fi is no longer a technology that is optional…this is critical from the economic standpoint but also critical from the social standpoint.”

You can check out the full webinar here.