Washington, D.C. – Today WifiForward released the following statement on the NTIA’s release of the National Spectrum Strategy:

“Unlicensed spectrum is a critical ingredient to support the high-speed broadband we enjoy in our homes, businesses, schools and on the go. Making available a steady stream of more unlicensed spectrum is vital to ensure that Wi-Fi networks remain innovative, and they are able to accommodate ever-growing broadband demands and speeds. Importantly, between 80% – 90% of mobile traffic is offloaded to Wi-Fi. We are therefore heartened to see that the National Spectrum Strategy identifies the 7 GHz band as a candidate to address the nation’s growing demand for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies and we encourage an expedited process for making it available for these services as quickly as possible. The 7 GHz band is well-positioned to bolster and support the growth of Wi-Fi and the unlicensed ecosystem, and we urge the Administration to consider next-generation broadband needs when allocating this critical band.

Read More “WifiForward Statement on National Spectrum Strategy”

What is Wi-Fi 7?

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest advancement in wireless connectivity and a successor to Wi-Fi 6E, promising faster speeds, reduced latency and stronger reliability for consumers. Like Wi-Fi 6E, it will still operate in the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands; however, what sets this generation apart is the increased capacity for wireless connections. 

How does it work? 

We like to think of spectrum like a busy highway: if there are more lanes opened on the road, traffic can travel faster to get where they need to go. Because Wi-Fi 7 supports the wider channels enabled by the 6 GHz band – or, in other words, creates more lanes on the highway – it can accommodate more traffic and move data more efficiently. 

Read More “Wi-Fi 7 and the Next Generation of Connectivity”

Washington, D.C. – Today WifiForward released the following statement on the FCC’s order to expand unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band: 

“Unlicensed spectrum in the 6 GHz band is critical to innovation and Wi-Fi technology in the U.S. WifiForward commends the FCC for today’s decision, which will bring important new unlicensed capabilities to American consumers. We also thank the Commission for its continuing support for unlicensed spectrum at the upcoming WRC and look forward to consideration for increased power levels in this critical band.”

Read More “WifiForward Applauds FCC Expansion of Unlicensed Use in 6 GHz”

These days, we use Wi-Fi for just about everything. Wi-Fi equips us to enjoy the simple pleasures of our day-to-day, from streaming our favorite podcasts and playlists to helping us work at the office or in the comfort of our homes. The mobile industry admits that at least 56% of cellular data is “offloaded” onto Wi-Fi – and we estimate that number to be much higher.

The reality is Wi-Fi has much of the same functionality as 5G, and in many cases, it’s faster and cheaper. This is why as soon as you arrive at a friend’s house or a local coffee shop, you’re probably immediately asking, “Hey, what’s your Wi-Fi password?”

Read More “Anything 5G Can Do, Wi-Fi Can Do Better”

Washington, D.C. – Today, WifiForward released the following statement applauding the Senate’s reconfirmation of Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks as Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

“WifiForward congratulates Commissioners Carr and Starks on their reconfirmations and thanks them for their continued commitment to advancing unlicensed spectrum use as part of a comprehensive spectrum policy. There is much important work to do on spectrum in the coming months and WifiForward looks forward to working with Commissioners Carr and Starks, together with the full Commission, to ensure Americans have access to the innovative power of unlicensed spectrum.”  Read More “WifiForward Statement on Reconfirmation of Commissioners Carr and Starks to FCC”

The following statement can be attributed to WiFiForward:

“Unlicensed spectrum is critical to connectivity. WifiForward appreciates Chairwoman Rosenworcel taking this important step to expand the use of the 6 GHz band for American consumers through Very Low Power (VLP) devices, showing US leadership going into the WRC. We encourage the Commission also to move forward with allowing increased power for unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band, including low-power indoor access points. Consumers are already benefitting from new innovative uses of Wi-Fi through Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technology, and the 6 GHz band is vital to continued innovation.” 

The evolution of Wi-Fi is even more impressive than the average consumer might realize. Thirty years ago, when the FCC designated a handful of underused frequencies for unlicensed use, no one thought these “junk bands” would lead to anything. Instead, Wi-Fi – the premiere unlicensed technology and an American success story – is now ubiquitous. According to a recent study from the Wi-Fi Alliance, four in five households said their Wi-Fi use is expanding, and most expect Wi-Fi to be available in every room of their house. And beyond the home, users expect Wi-Fi everywhere from a plane, to their cars, and even big stadiums.  Read More “No Need for Bad Blood on Burdensome FCC Rules”

Washington, D.C. – Today, WifiForward released the following statement applauding the Senate’s confirmation of Anna Gomez to serve as Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

“WifiForward congratulates Commissioner Gomez on her confirmation to serve at the FCC, and appreciates all the work she has done, both in the private and public sectors, to promote forward-thinking spectrum policy ensuring American leadership in connectivity and expanding digital access for all Americans. We look forward to working with Commissioner Gomez and her colleagues to bring more Americans online and spur more American innovation, including through greater access to unlicensed technologies.”

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The following statement can be attributed to WifiForward: 

“WifiForward applauds CITEL’s endorsement of the U.S. position for the upper 6 GHz band. The U.S. designation of this band for unlicensed use is part of a comprehensive spectrum strategy that allows for all types of technologies to thrive. On the other hand, if implemented globally, China’s heavy-handed spectrum policy would favor Chinese state-backed entities like Huawei and ZTE – something the U.S. should firmly stand against. Ahead of WRC, WifiForward urges continued support of unlicensed spectrum in the 6 GHz band, which will promote greater innovation, advance future generations of Wi-Fi, and benefit mobile carriers by augmenting capacity. As the international community considers the future of the 6 GHz band, WifiForward also encourages the FCC to finalize rules that will make it easier for unlicensed technology to thrive in this band.”

The following statement can be attributed to WifiForward:

“A comprehensive spectrum policy that allows all types of technologies to thrive enables the U.S. to continue leading the world in wireless devices and services for consumers. WifiForward commends the FCC’s pro-innovation approach and leadership in dedicating the 6 GHz band to unlicensed use and encourages the international spectrum community to follow this all-of-the-above approach at WRC. WifiForward urges the FCC to build on that success and encourages the international community to follow suit by approving proposals to allow increased power for LPI devices and for VLP devices to operate across the 6 GHz band. Both moves will allow consumers and businesses to realize the full value of the 6 GHz band, without posing any material risk to incumbents in the band, leading to further innovation and fostering new technologies that will benefit American consumers.”  Read More “WifiForward Statement on 6 GHz Band Ahead of WRC”