Last month, WifiForward announced our first-ever Wi-Fi At Work Awards. Each of our 16 awardees used creativity and innovation to meet a critical need for broadband and Wi-Fi access in their communities during the pandemic. And this week, we hosted a panel discussion with six panelists representing five programs, for a deeper dive into their respective initiatives.
Read More “Wi-Fi At Work Awards Webinar: Hear From Five Fantastic Awardees”
Thanks for joining WifiForward’s unofficial #IoT week. It may not be an accident that “IoT” can be autocorrected to “joy” on a tiny phone screen keyboard. But what, exactly, are the “things” encompassed in this Internet of Things, that are supposed to bring us joy?
At its September Open Meeting last week, the FCC began the process to authorize automated frequency coordination (AFC) systems in the 6 GHz band.
Has CBRS lived up to the hype? January 2020 marked the highly celebrated FCC authorization of “Full Commercial Deployment” of the 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service band. This milestone in the road to spectrum sharing was the culmination of a process that began in 2013. Read More “CBRS: Does It Live Up To The Hype?”
WifiForward applauds the FCC’s leadership and vision for adopting the Internet of Things (IoT) Spectrum Notice of Inquiry. The Internet of Things, which includes everything from connected factory equipment to smart coffeemakers, is growing exponentially. And much of it is supported by Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, in particular, were designed to support many IoT devices simultaneously. It is important that the FCC explores how this growing sector will use spectrum, particularly unlicensed spectrum, and how we can promote a balanced and future-proof spectrum policy that includes both unlicensed and licensed spectrum to support it.
Read More “WifiForward Applauds FCC’s Adoption of IoT Spectrum Notice of Inquiry”
We’re heartened by the introduction of the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 by Chairman Doyle and Representative Matsui which would help lay the groundwork for the networks of tomorrow. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), working with federal partners, to make more spectrum available for next-generation networks in the 3.1-3.45 GHz band and gives the agency the flexibility to consider all the policy tools in its toolbox, including shared spectrum.
Read More “WifiForward Statement on the Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021”
The FCC took an important step forward towards realizing Standard Power Wi-Fi 6E. Implementation of smart AFCs in the 6 GHz band will unlock an untold number of use cases for the next generation of Wi-Fi — from faster stadium connectivity to lower latency Wi-Fi on school buses. Spectrum is a limited resource, so quickly certifying and deploying innovative spectrum-sharing technology like AFC is essential to our wireless future. We applaud the Commission for its forward-looking approach to spectrum policy.
Read More “WifiForward Statement on FCC’s Adoption of AFC Authorization Process”
The NTIA held its annual spectrum policy symposium, titled “Modernizing U.S. Spectrum Strategy and Infrastructure For 21st Century Global Leadership,” this week.
Speakers included Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo; Charles Cooper, NTIA Office of Spectrum Management; Rep. Mike Doyle, Chairman, Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, House Committee on Energy & Commerce; and of course Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel along with many additional spectrum policy experts and stakeholders.
Read More “The Best Things Said at the NTIA Symposium on Spectrum”
I’m sure you can name a few strange places you’ve picked up a book, turned on a Kindle or opened your iPad/smartphone reading app. Libraries Without Borders US is making sure ALL communities have access to these important digital resources and more, PLUS Wi-Fi connectivity with unconventional projects and innovative strategies.
If you’re looking for an innovative way to help your community, look to these organizations making an impact—with Wi-Fi. We honored 16 rockstars who stepped up to connect their communities with Wi-Fi, enabling them to meet vital needs during the pandemic.
Read More “Wi-Fi At Work Awards: Superheroes of Your Local Internet Connections”