Staying connected to our friends, families, and colleagues has never been easier than it is today. And with how critical that connection is in today’s day and age – for business, for school, for personal relationships – it should be accessible and affordable. As internet use has evolved over the last two decades, Wi-Fi has become the primary way to affordably access the internet at home, at work, and in public spaces. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence become increasingly integrated into everyday life, Wi‑Fi will help ensure consumers can access and benefit from these innovations affordably. By connecting AI-enabled devices through existing Wi-Fi networks, consumers will benefit without additional costs.   

Today, the average household relies on more than 20 connected devices, from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs and home appliances. Rather than paying for separate cellular connections for every device, a single broadband subscription lets an entire household connect through Wi-Fi. As prices of everyday goods increase, Americans can count on their Wi-Fi remaining affordable and accessible. In fact, according to the FCC, home broadband prices fell 19% between 2009 and 2023. 

Wi-Fi helps consumers reduce their reliance on expensive mobile data plans. Smartphones automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks wherever we are, helping offload traffic from cellular networks. In fact, even away from home, nearly 90% of users spend their screentime connected to Wi-Fi.  By expanding consumer choice and helping support greater competition in the wireless marketplace, Wi‑Fi has helped put downward pressure on mobile service costs at a time when affordability remains Americans’ top consideration when choosing a wireless provider.  Wi-Fi gives consumers more choices and plays a key role in helping to save families up to $1,000 each year on their mobile bills since it supports lower-cost wireless competitors and reduces data demands on cellular networks. 

The cost-benefits of using Wi-Fi extend far beyond the home. Schools, libraries, workplaces, and community spaces rely on Wi-Fi to provide affordable access to educational resources, information, and services. Nearly all public libraries offer free Wi-Fi, helping ensure connectivity remains within reach for millions of Americans. Schools also depend on Wi-Fi to connect students, teachers, and learning tools across campuses while reducing infrastructure costs. 

As demand for connectivity continues to grow, Wi-Fi remains one of the most affordable and accessible technologies available. From supporting households with dozens of connected devices to helping communities stay online, Wi-Fi continues to deliver more connectivity without driving up costs.