Thanksgiving is tomorrow and it is sure to look very different than any Turkey Day we’ve had in the past.
While some normalcy will remain—the White House pardoned turkeys named Corn and Cob and the Detroit Lions are still set to play tomorrow afternoon—medical officials are urging Americans to not gather indoors with extended family as the coronavirus outbreak reaches new heights. Per the official CDC website, experts are recommending that “celebrating virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice this Thanksgiving.”
Read More “A Connected Holiday: Why Wi-Fi Is More Important Than Ever This Thanksgiving”
It’s no secret that political polarization has reached a fever pitch in America.
A recent Pew Research Center report found “increasingly stark disagreement between Democrats and Republicans” and concluded that Americans “have rarely been as polarized as they are today.”
Read More “In an era of division, the 5.9 GHz band shines as a beacon of bipartisanship”
Today, the FCC unanimously voted to make more spectrum available for Wi-Fi, unlocking airwaves that have sat unused for two decades. In that time, Wi-Fi has become absolutely foundational to how we live, work and connect — something families across the country are acutely aware of now, more than ever. Today’s vote will create the first usable 160 MHz wide Wi-Fi channel that operators can bring online quickly to make our networks even better and faster. We commend the Chairman, Commissioners O’Rielly and Rosenworcel and the full Commission for being champions for Wi-Fi and connectivity.
“I know we focus typically on licensed,” said FCC Chairman Pai this week, talking about his agency’s work over the last 4 years to free up new spectrum for 5G wireless broadband, “But unlicensed has been in focus as well.”
Read More “R Street/Crown Castle Event: The Importance of Unlicensed to the Future of Connectivity”
Today, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai unveiled a common-sense plan for the unused 5.9 GHz band that will grow Wi-Fi networks when we need them more than ever and set the stage for cutting-edge auto safety innovations. This proposal with bipartisan support expands the country’s existing primary Wi-Fi band and creates a new wide channel to deliver gigabit speeds to Americans in school, in doctors’ offices and at home. It’s a win-win-win for consumers, businesses and the automotive industry. WifiForward commends the Chairman and his colleagues for their leadership in smart, balanced spectrum policy.
With the ongoing pandemic, the internet is even more important than ever as millions of Americans work, learn, shop and socialize online. But the COVID-19 crisis has laid bare the sad reality that many Americans are on the wrong side of the digital divide and don’t have Internet access at home.
Read More “Wi-Fi on Wheels: Connecting Communities With Smart Buses”
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country have been forced to close their doors, leaving students to learn from home via video conferencing services and other virtual tools. Unfortunately, remote learning has laid bare the digital divide in the United States and widened the homework gap for students across the nation.
Read More “Online Learning: Why All American Students Need Access to Wi-Fi”
Amidst a once-in-a generation pandemic, our lives have changed dramatically. Over the past few months, millions of Americans have had to readjust and learn how to live, learn and work remotely. Many Americans are also relying on remote consultations with medical professionals from the comfort of their own homes at this time of heightened risk to personal health and wellness.
Read More “Telehealth in America: Why Wi-Fi is Key to the Future of Healthcare Outcomes”
We are pleased that the FCC will vote on a TV White Space item during this month’s Open Meeting, an important step towards putting our unused TV airwaves to good use. This forward-leaning technology promises to connect schools, farms, hospitals and homes in unconnected communities nationwide — connections that will literally save lives during this pandemic and beyond. We commend the Commission for its commitment to efficient, smart spectrum policy like this.
Today, the D.C. Circuit Court made the right decision and rejected a request to stay the FCC’s well-vetted 6 GHz order. By opening the 6 GHz band, the FCC advanced innovation, investment, and faster broadband in a time when connectivity has never been more important. It’s a win for Wi-Fi and for consumers everywhere.
