As we consider the future of connectivity — from 5G to the next generation of Wi-Fi to cutting edge technologies like AR/VR — making the best use of available spectrum is of the utmost importance. This means leveraging all of the spectrum resources that are available, sharing spectrum and coordinating its use to deliver the best connectivity to all Americans.

 

Even for experts, debates over how to use spectrum most effectively can be incredibly difficult and weedy ones. With this in mind, earlier this week WifiForward unveiled two brand new backgrounders—”What is Unlicensed Spectrum?” and “Unlicensed and Shared Spectrum Benefits”—that help to demystify the finer points of the spectrum discussion. 

Each are filled with important information about how to best manage spectrum, the future of connectivity and beyond. Here are some top-level excerpts

• “In 1985, Wi-Fi started as an FCC experiment — as long as innovators followed a few rules in this spectrum, they could innovate in the ‘junk bands…’ These technologies have contributed billions of dollars to the economy as well as transformed the way we run our networks and get online.” 
• Unlicensed spectrum contributed $995 billion to the U.S. economy in 2021 and is expected to contribute $158 trillion to the U.S. economy by 2025. 
• Unlicensed spectrum is key to developing Wi-Fi in the United States, especially amidst the 80% increase in Wi-Fi traffic due to COVID-19 

See here and here for each of the backgrounders and follow WifiForward on Twitter for more information on unlicensed technology, Wi-Fi and more.