Cable- and CTIA-Sponsored Reports Disagree on Spectrum Needs of Wi-Fi
A new, CTIA-sponsored report argues that “at this stage” Wi-Fi has all the spectrum it needs. “Additional unlicensed spectrum does not provide a practical benefit to Wi-Fi performance,” the report said: “It is only at very close ranges that additional…
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spectrum actually improves performance.” The report’s author, Richard Bennett of the High Tech Forum, discussed his findings in detail last week (see 2409250034). An NCTA spokesperson slammed the report, pointing to WiFiForward's recent study. The positive impact of Wi-Fi has helped “the American economy ... grow from $1.6 trillion in 2024 to $2.4 trillion in 2027, and … opening the 7 GHz band for unlicensed use will generate at least $79 billion in additional economic value between 2025 and 2027,” the spokesperson emailed: “Everyone who uses the internet relies on Wi-Fi to power their apps and experiences, ... freeing up more spectrum for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed uses will be critical for continuing to deliver the gig-speed service that consumers expect.”