Wi-Fi plays a central role in America’s daily operations, from powering personal connectivity in the home to facilitating digital workplaces, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and much more. Without adequate spectrum for unlicensed use, America faces the possibility of Wi-Fi congestion, which would severely deteriorate the ability of small businesses across the country to operate. Not only that, but America will lose out on significant economic growth, given how many critical sectors rely on Wi-Fi.
Across the country, more than 33 million small businesses rely on Wi-Fi every day to operate and grow. Whether it’s a restaurant processing mobile orders, a boutique managing inventory in the cloud, or a remote employee joining a Zoom meeting, wireless internet is the essential infrastructure driving innovation and productivity in the small business sector.
Frictionless payments & operations
Today’s point-of-sale (POS) systems are built on connectivity.
- Small businesses depend on Wi-Fi to process transactions, access payment histories, and manage inventory with accuracy and speed.
- For customers, fast and seamless checkout is the expectation.
- For business owners, every transaction counts. Even a brief disruption in service can mean a missed sale or a lost customer.
- Reliable Wi-Fi ensures that these systems run smoothly, giving business owners confidence and control at the register.
Cloud-based tools
Behind the scenes, Wi-Fi connects the digital tools that power day-to-day operations.
- Platforms like QuickBooks, Gusto, Shopify, and Salesforce help business owners manage payroll, track expenses, organize employee schedules, run digital storefronts, and track customer relationships – all from the cloud.
As operations scale, so does their reliance on fast and secure data sharing.
- Wi-Fi allows teams to collaborate from any location and ensures that files are backed up securely.
- It gives small businesses the technological edge they need to stay agile and responsive.
Brand building, marketing & customer service
Brand building, marketing & customer service
Wi-Fi also powers how small businesses show up in today’s digital-first marketplace.
- It enables everything from email marketing and social media updates to video consultations and live chat tools.
- Whether launching a new product, responding to a Yelp review, or uploading a tutorial to YouTube, businesses rely on high-speed internet to connect with customers in real time.
- In an era where customer service is increasingly digital, Wi-Fi is what keeps the line open.
A level playing field
Despite the central role that Wi-Fi plays in business success, some small businesses — particularly those in in rural, remote or traditionally underserved areas – struggle with access, preventing entrepreneurs from unlocking the full economic potential that Wi-Fi brings.
That’s why access to shared and unlicensed spectrum is so critical.
- It enables affordable, community-driven connectivity solutions that level the playing field and support businesses of all sizes.
- When spectrum is widely available, it fosters entrepreneurship and keeps local economies thriving.
In today’s digital economy, reliable Wi-Fi isn’t just helpful, it’s fundamental. Ensuring every small business can harness its potential is essential to building a stronger economy for our country.
To learn more about the important role that Wi-Fi and unlicensed spectrum play in the broadband ecosystem, visit NCTA.com.
