While opening the 6 GHz band in 2020 was a sorely-needed response to congested Wi-Fi spectrum, future-proofing Wi-Fi spectrum demands action from the executive branch to allow Wi-Fi networks to extend into federally-controlled spectrum at 7 GHz.
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•••BLOG: Wi-Fi: An Economic Powerhouse
When you think of Wi-Fi, you likely think about your day-to-day access to the internet. You might envision video calls with loved ones, emailing work colleagues, or scrolling social media at an airport. In fact, up to 90% of all mobile device traffic is carried on Wi-Fi. And what most Americans don’t realize is the tremendous positive impact Wi-Fi has on our economy. A recent report assesses Wi-Fi’s significant economic value—and how it continues to grow.
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STATEMENT: New Study Forecasts Major Increase in Economic Power of Wi-Fi
Washington, D.C. – Today, Telecom Advisory Services released a new report demonstrating that the annual economic value of Wi-Fi will reach $2.4 trillion in 2027, a 33% increase over the 2024 value ($1.6 trillion). The 2027 estimate includes a forecasted $514 billion in consumer benefit, $624 billion in producer surplus, and $1.2 trillion in GDP contribution.
The new study seeks to reassess the significant value of Wi-Fi to the U.S. economy, following a 2021 study, to reflect the growing number of devices and data traffic consumed over Wi-Fi networks.
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BLOG: Celebrating 25 Years of Wi-Fi: The Essential Pillar of Connectivity and Progress
Today is World Wi-Fi Day! This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Wi-Fi and the tenth year of WifiForward. In the decades since Wi-Fi was merely a glimmer in the FCC’s eyes, Wi-Fi has become a fundamental pillar of connectivity in our daily lives. In homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces, Wi-Fi is the true “Swiss army knife” of internet access – and at WifiForward, we’re proud to advocate for more unlicensed spectrum so Wi-Fi can continue to thrive.
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STATEMENT: WifiForward Statement on Proposed Spectrum Legislation
Washington, D.C. – WifiForward today released the following statement on proposed spectrum legislation:
“WifiForward commends Chair Cantwell, the Departments of Defense and Commerce, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for today’s announced spectrum policy package, which will enhance our national security and connect our communities. Today’s deal represents a significant step forward in breaking the logjam on spectrum legislation so that the U.S. can continue to lead the world in innovative spectrum uses of all types, including Wi-Fi. We urge Congress to advance this important legislation as quickly as possible.”
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STATEMENT: WifiForward Statement on the Spectrum and National Security Act
Washington, D.C. – Today WifiForward released the following statement on the release of the Spectrum and National Security Act by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee:
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BLOG: Capturing Coachella: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Dancing, Lana Del Rey’s Epic Entrance and More … Brought to you by Wi-Fi
Get ready to double-tap, because we are LOVING this year’s Coachella content. From Lana Del Rey’s memorable entrance via motorcycle to her viral yet unreleased song, Jealous Girl, to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dancing the night away, fans have been able to stream it all. We don’t doubt you’ve also seen Renee Rapp and Kesha’s surprise appearance to perform “TiK ToK” all over your, well, TikTok. As social media recaps the highlights, the daring outfits, the pictures, the Instagram stories, reels and TikToks, there’s one unsung hero from the festival that we can’t forget – Wi-Fi.
BLOG: Rip Van Wi-Fi (with apologies to Washington Irving)
In Irving’s tale, Rip Van Winkle falls asleep for 20 years, awakening to a very different world. Something like that happened to Wi-Fi spectrum, too.
In 2006, the FCC opened 255 MHz in the 5 GHz band to Wi-Fi use, spurring the development of Wi-Fi 4. Then, no one paid attention to Wi-Fi spectrum for 14 years until the FCC opened up the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use in 2020. But a lot can happen while people are sleeping:
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Securing America’s Wireless Future
Commercial interests with their eyes on federal spectrum bands need to support dynamic spectrum sharing and coexistence with existing federal users, according to a recent U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation’s hearing on Spectrum and National Security. Witnesses said the U.S. needs to both preserve spectrum for federal systems, as well as allow commercial users to expand into federal bands using existing and new techniques for sharing federal spectrum, because doing so builds U.S. national security and economic strength.
WifiForward Executive Director Mary Brown championed the importance of unlicensed spectrum in driving innovation and maintaining America’s technological prowess. She stressed the necessity of shared spectrum bands to showcase American innovation on a global scale.
During March Madness, it’s Wi-Fi for the Win!
The end of March is every college basketball fan’s favorite time of year, with the kickoff of the NCAA Basketball Tournament or March Madness. If you aren’t familiar, the “madness” of it all comes from an action-packed month of over 100 games, with underdogs and upsets of highly favored-to-win teams. With all of the excitement, it’s critical for fans to have a robust communications network whether they are at the stadium or at home – and without Wi-Fi, you might miss the game-winning shot that everyone will be talking about.