BLOG: Wi-Fi and 7 GHz: A win for consumers and national security

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While opening the 6 GHz band in 2020 was a sorely-needed response to congested Wi-Fi spectrum, future-proofing Wi-Fi spectrum demands action from the executive branch to allow Wi-Fi networks to extend into federally-controlled spectrum at 7 GHz.

The industry’s latest generation of technology – Wi-Fi 7 – will utilize wide channels that enable greater capacity, faster speeds, and lower latency. Opening 7125-7250 MHz, as a start, would provide a boost to Wi-Fi 7 networks because a fourth 320 MHz wide channel could be added. Opening 7 GHz spectrum above 7250 MHz could enable five such channels.  These allocations are needed to ensure Wi-Fi 7 keeps pace with increased consumer data needs.

These spectrum considerations are important – to the future growth of broadband delivery, the future of US-led innovation, and our national security. With 7 GHz, Wi-Fi will:

  • Continue to support and benefit consumers. By using spectrum contiguous to 6 GHz, a second radio would not be needed in devices accessing both 6 and 7 GHz, eliminating unnecessary costs to produce Wi-Fi devices.
  • Allow for efficient sharing with federal incumbents. Wi-Fi is designed to securely share spectrum and avoid interference, meaning more spectrum can be commercialized without requiring the massively expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive relocation of critical federal systems (like NASA or NOAA satellites, military radars, FAA or DOE links, and others). Wi-Fi’s ability to safely share spectrum with incumbents allows the government to manage increasingly crowded airwaves and deliver low-cost and high-net benefits to consumers and economy.
  • Promote U.S. national security. Because Wi-Fi can be introduced in 7 GHz without moving federal incumbents– including systems vital to our national and homeland security – disruption to important federal missions is a nonissue. The alternative – migrating such systems to different spectrum – could take decades, creating distractions and uncertainty with respect to federal investments and improvements in these systems.
  • Grow US GDP by $1.2 trillion by 2027. A recent study predicted not just a leap in GDP, but also forecasted $514 billion in consumer benefits and $624 billion in producer surplus. The sum total of economic value weighs in at $2.4 trillion by 2027.
  • Increase marketplace competition. Meaningful access to unlicensed spectrum helps level the playing field for smaller providers and new marketplace entrants, promoting innovation and competition in the wireless market.
  • Put U.S. interests first. Wi-Fi is an American-made success that has been in the center ring fighting against China’s global spectrum priorities. The Chinese Communist Party is pressuring other countries to wall off the 6 GH7 and 7 GHz bands for high-power 5G to maximize Huawei’s and ZTE’s market share, all while undercutting U.S. technological and economic leadership. The U.S. should push back on China’s agenda by championing a spectrum strategy that elevates American strength in Wi-Fi innovation and manufacturing.

WifiForward is working with U.S. policymakers and industry colleagues to advance smart spectrum policy and ensure these benefits are realized. The next generation of Wi-Fi is here. It’s up to policymakers to ensure Wi-Fi has the resources needed to meet the moment and take on the challenges of tomorrow.