Remember flipping on an analog TV and noticing static in between the television channels? That’s exactly what leading technology and wireless companies are looking to put to use in an effort to deliver fast reliable internet connectivity to millions of Americans who currently lack high-speed broadband access.
Read More “TV White Spaces May be Key to Connecting Millions of Americans: Here’s How.”
This Saturday is World Wi-Fi Day — a day in which we recognize the countless benefits and accomplishments of a technology that most of us use every day. This year, World Wi-Fi Day comes as changes from COVID-19 seep across our culture and economy in ways no one could have envisioned just a few months ago. Across the globe, people have been forced to adapt to new ways of doing things — at home, at work and at school. One thing that makes this possible is fast and available Wi-Fi.
Read More “World Wi-Fi Day 2020: During an Uncertain Time, Wi-Fi is Keeping the World Connected “
WifiForward commends the FCC for its unanimous vote to open the 6 GHz band to unlicensed services that will empower Wi-Fi and benefit consumers. Wi-Fi connectivity is absolutely essential to each of us, and the FCC’s bipartisan leadership today will make it easier for people to stay productive and informed in communities of all sizes across the country. Opening the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use will strengthen our Wi-Fi networks, make connections faster, supercharge future innovation and create significant economic value for our country. We thank the Chairman and his fellow commissioners for taking this important, trailblazing action.
Two pending Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Wi-Fi proposals would add at least $183.44 billion to the U.S. economy over the next 5 years. This is the finding of a new study by Dr. Raul Katz, a leading scholar of economics and telecommunications policy, on the FCC’s proposals to open the 5.9 GHz band and 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi.
In the midst of this national emergency, millions of Americans are relying on high-speed internet to remain connected while staying home. And because most devices are wireless, fast and reliable Wi-Fi is more important than ever.
Read More “Fast & Reliable Wi-Fi for America through Unlicensed 6 GHz Spectrum Sharing”
Wi-Fi is working hard in our communities to keep us healthy connected, learning and working in this uncertain time. We’re tracking stories and use cases so others can learn from the ideas and to share some good news. Please explore below and check back regularly for updates:
We applaud Chairman Pai for a game-changing plan to unleash much-needed unlicensed spectrum that will support generational innovation while protecting existing users of the spectrum. From multi-gigabit Wi-Fi capabilities on our home networks to low-cost telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, from VR-based training for mining and other dangerous jobs to remote surgery, this spectrum supports the future of Wi-Fi and other innovations we cannot yet comprehend. WifiForward members have witnessed unprecedented growth in Wi-Fi usage over the last month; never has the need been more evident or pressing. We look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Pai and his colleagues on this issue and thank him for his unwavering leadership to address the unlicensed spectrum crunch and allow a diverse technological ecosystem to continue to flourish.
During this unprecedented crisis, Americans are depending on their Wi-Fi networks to work, learn and stay connected to critical information. Today, the FCC took an important step, allowing WISPs access to the lower 45 MHz of the 5.9 GHz band to connect people — safeguarding vital community functions and ensuring Americans are not left behind during this time of surging home and community broadband use. This is a great opportunity to take unused spectrum and put it to work for our communities, now. The FCC is showing leadership to expand providers’ network capacity during this time of crisis. WifiForward commends the Chairman and his colleagues for their leadership on this urgent issue.
Many of us cannot imagine a day without Wi-Fi, and since the tech came onto the scene 20 years ago, we’ve come to rely on it more and more. Connecting people to work, educational resources, news and information to stay healthy is more important than ever right now.
Last week, Cisco released its Annual Internet Report (2018–2023) and it predicted huge growth in Internet usage across the board, including in users, data traffic, and speed of connections. In particular, Cisco predicts substantial growth for Wi-Fi by 2023, particularly for next-generation Wi-Fi 6 and with the advent of 5G. Wi-Fi usage will only continue to grow substantially over the next decade.
Read More “Cisco Annual Internet Report: Wi-Fi Use Will Skyrocket”