Late last year, the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) concluded after a month of discussions over the future of global spectrum regulations. The U.S. delegation’s efforts protected American interests, such as Wi-Fi and other technologies that rely on unlicensed spectrum, in the face of attacks by China and its allies. In case you didn’t make it to Dubai, we’re here to break down the major developments regarding unlicensed spectrum and what they mean for the future of Wi-Fi globally and here at home.
Read More “Smart Spectrum Policy from Dubai to your House”
Washington, D.C. – WifiForward today submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on the Implementation Plan for the National Spectrum Strategy.
In the comments, WifiForward outlines opportunities for unlicensed spectrum, specifically in the 7/8 GHz bands, and urges NTIA to provide additional spectrum resources to support Wi-Fi, arguing, “While there are many bands on the table for licensed spectrum, there is no ‘Plan B’ for heavily used Wi-Fi services that carry more than 85% of the data in our homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions. Promptly and strategically allocating more unlicensed spectrum is vital to preserving and expanding these Wi-Fi services so they keep up with increased data traffic flows and innovative technologies.”
Read More “WifiForward Comments on National Spectrum Strategy Implementation”
Washington, D.C. – Today WifiForward released the following statement on the conclusion of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference:
“WifiForward commends the U.S. government delegation for supporting American technologies like Wi-Fi and protecting American interests at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC). WRC revealed in the starkest possible terms that some global powers, led by China, see the continued growth of Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies as a threat to their own ambitions. While most of the world supports Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band, China continues to push aggressively for changes that would eliminate such options globally and reclaim spectrum in the 6 GHz band solely in service of technologies favored by Huawei and other Chinese vendors.
Read More “WifiForward Statement on WRC-23 Outcomes”
Last week, the White House and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a long-anticipated National Spectrum Strategy, as well as a Presidential Memorandum on modernizing U.S. spectrum policy. The strategy laid out a blueprint for American innovation and wireless competition and identified 2,700 MHz of spectrum for potential repurposing – and WifiForward is not alone in urging a spectrum reallocation path that supports technology diversity, including unlicensed and dynamically shared licensed approaches. Here’s what others are saying:
Read More “What They Are Saying on the National Spectrum Strategy”
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.”
