BLOG: Celebrating 25 Years of Wi-Fi: The Essential Pillar of Connectivity and Progress

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Today is World Wi-Fi Day! This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Wi-Fi and the tenth year of WifiForward. In the decades since Wi-Fi was merely a glimmer in the FCC’s eyes, Wi-Fi has become a fundamental pillar of connectivity in our daily lives. In homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces, Wi-Fi is the true “Swiss army knife” of internet access – and at WifiForward, we’re proud to advocate for more unlicensed spectrum so Wi-Fi can continue to thrive. 

As we celebrate World Wi-Fi Day, these are just some of the reasons why we <3 Wi-Fi: 

  • Wi-Fi is a uniquely American product. The U.S. was the first country in the world to create an unlicensed spectrum band, and that forward-looking decision gave us what is now a true American success story. U.S.-based companies are the leaders in Wi-Fi chipsets and devices.
  • Wi-Fi handles the vast majority of our data. Think of all of your devices at home – they’re all connected to Wi-Fi (and in the future, your number of devices will only grow!). Over 80% of mobile traffic runs over Wi-Fi.
  • Wi-Fi has revolutionized the ways we work, live and play. Telemedicine relies on Wi-Fi to connect doctors and patients. Students access their textbooks and homework assignments via Wi-Fi. You’re connected to Wi-Fi on the go in your car or at the airport. 

#TBT: Ten years of WifiForward

  • Wi-Fi for the win! U.S. leaders stood up to China at last year’s World Radiocommunication Conference, ensuring Wi-Fi can continue to thrive in the 6 GHz band across the world.  
  • What even is spectrum, anyway? This video explains. 
  • Wi-Fi superheroes across the country have changed the game for connectivity across the country. 
  • Wi-Fi kept us connected during COVID-19 – over 75% of respondents to a WifiForward survey said Wi-Fi was essential to them during the pandemic.  
  • A WifiForward study estimated that Wi-Fi would add over $183 billion to the economy in 2025 – and we only expect that number to grow!
  • For the first time in 14 years, the FCC opened up a new band for unlicensed use in 2019 – and Chairman Ajit Pai made the announcement at a WifiForward event! 

What’s next for Wi-Fi? 

Wi-Fi technology will only continue to improve, and demand for connectivity will only continue to grow. To realize our nation’s connectivity goals, we must unlock more spectrum for unlicensed use. WifiForward recommends opening up the 7 GHz spectrum band – contiguous to the 6 GHz band, where Wi-Fi technology is thriving – for unlicensed use. The wider 7 GHz band will be critical for the success of Wi-Fi 7, which is critically needed to ensure that Wi-Fi does not become a chokepoint for fast broadband speeds.