As we approach World Wi-Fi Day on June 20th, we’d like to recognize the vision of global policymakers and regulators who have opened up the 6 GHz band to unlicensed (i.e. license-exempt) use. Since April 2020, when the U.S. became the first country to allow unlicensed use of the 6 GHz spectrum, thereby enabling Wi-Fi 6E and subsequent generations, a total of 68 countries have followed suit. These countries represent more than 2 billion people, and 70% of the world’s GDP.
It's important to note that adoption has not been limited to industrialized nations. Developing countries from Namibia to Malaysia to Trinidad & Tobago recognize that by opening the 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi, schools, offices, apartment buildings, hospitals, rural communities, and all types of industries can benefit from faster performance and wider channels to fuel economic growth.
The benefits of 6 GHz
Wi-Fi is a tremendous driver for economic growth and social empowerment, providing connectivity in communities where fixed and mobile broadband is cost prohibitive. Yet, it has been nearly 20 years since the 5 GHz band was first opened for unlicensed operations (including Wi-Fi). Opening the 6 GHz band will fuel the next decade of innovation, delivering faster speeds, wider channels for new types of applications, and far less congestion.
Source: Wi-Fi Alliance
Rural Connectivity: Connecting the Unconnected
Aligned with World Wi-Fi Day’s focus on connecting the unconnected, the unlicensed 6 GHz spectrum can be used to provide connectivity in rural areas, with a range of affordable point-to-point and multipoint solutions from companies like Cambium and Airspan. Wi-Fi is also commonly used to provide community hotspots in remote, low-income villages and towns where fixed and mobile broadband is too expensive.
In rural communities, Wi-Fi can be used to support new smart-precision farming solutions—providing connectivity for farm equipment and field sensors to increase yields and better adapt to changing climates. It can also be used to provide telemedicine and improve healthcare outcomes where medical expertise is not readily available.
Happy World Wi-Fi Day!
Next steps
Watch a video on the opening of 6 GHz
