WifiForward Applauds Nomination of David Redl as NTIA Chief

On the Hill, at the FCC or in the private sector, it’s always been about spectrum for David Redl, and WifiForward congratulates him on his nomination to NTIA Administrator. With more than eight billion Wi-Fi devices in use around the globe, Americans need balanced telecommunications policies that will make more spectrum available to support emerging technologies and spur economic growth. We are thrilled at the opportunity to work with Mr. Redl on freeing up more spectrum for both licensed and unlicensed technologies.

WifiForward Statement on FCC Approval of LTE-U Devices

Today’s approval of two LTE-U devices is an important milestone in unlicensed spectrum policy and consumer protection. Two years ago, equipment manufacturers submitted LTE-U devices for approval to the FCC which could have impaired the millions of consumers who rely on Wi-Fi. Instead of regulating, the FCC encouraged industry to work together to develop a plan to mitigate that harm. The result is the Wi-Fi Alliance test plan. WifiForward is pleased that Ericsson and Nokia have certified that they have passed the complete industry-developed coexistence plan. As unlicensed technologies continue to meet our growing demand for broadband, we hope today’s announcement demonstrates how the Wi-Fi community will work hard and successfully to develop sharing mechanisms to connect more people.

WifiForward Statement on Chairman Pai

WifiForward, a national coalition of consumer and public interest groups, internet service providers, semiconductor chip makers, wireless broadband equipment manufacturers, and content providers, released the following statement on President Trump’s appointment of Commissioner Ajit Pai as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

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WifiFoward Welcomes PEN America and Private Internet Access

WifiFoward welcomes two new members to its growing list of companies, organizations and public sector institutions concerned about the future of Wi-Fi. PEN America, a membership association of prominent literary writers and editors working to defend free expression, and Private Internet Access (PIA), a VPN service provider specializing in secure, encrypted Internet connections, have joined the coalition to help advocate the need for more spectrum access to protect Wi-Fi against future bandwidth congestion.

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Statement of WifiForward in response to House Commerce & Energy Subcommittee Hearing on “Improving Federal Spectrum Systems”

We applaud the co-sponsors of the Federal Incentive Spectrum Act for their innovative approach to freeing up more spectrum for our growing mobile broadband usage. We are hopeful that policymakers will consider making more spectrum available for unlicensed use as these frequencies become available. Wi-Fi carries the majority of Internet traffic and unlicensed spectrum has led to the creation of new technologies that consumers rely on, new jobs and businesses, and billions of dollars in economic growth annually (generating more than $222 billion in 2013 and an expected $547 billion in 2017) and we’re hopeful these leading policymakers prioritize finding a balance between unlicensed and licensed policy.