April 23, 2025, marked five years since the FCC’s landmark decision to open the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use. That unanimous, bipartisan decision accelerated broadband innovation and reinforced U.S. leadership in wireless technology.
A game-changer for American connectivity
The 6 GHz order unlocked 1,200 megahertz of spectrum. At a time when the proliferation of connected devices was accelerating, and remote work and learning were quickly becoming daily norms, this move gave networks the breathing room they needed to continue to deliver higher speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections.
Consumers and businesses have benefited in countless ways:
- Seamless performance across smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming systems, and smart home devices.
- Support for the next generation of immersive technologies like AR/VR and real-time video conferencing.
- Efficient use of spectrum without interfering with incumbents’ licensed services.
Delivering on its promise
At the time of the FCC’s vote in 2020, analysts projected that unlicensed access to the 6 GHz band could generate over $180 billion in U.S. economic value within five years.
Those expectations weren’t just met— they were significantly exceeded. By 2023 and 2024 alone, the estimated incremental value topped $870 billion.
The move helped expand the development of next generation Wi-Fi technology—supporting growing demand across homes and businesses, all without disrupting incumbent users in the 6 GHz band.
U.S. leadership spurs global momentum
The United States was the first country to make the entire 6 GHz band available for unlicensed use. Since then, nearly 70 countries have followed, aligning with the U.S. approach to foster next-generation connectivity and economic growth.
This leadership has helped ensure that American consumers benefit from faster, more reliable Wi-Fi and next-generation wireless services. As then Commissioner and now FCC Chairman Brendan Carr noted, “When America goes first, the world takes notice…Consumers here are now benefitting from better, faster Wi-Fi and 5G services in their homes.”
Wi-Fi’s future
Wi-Fi continues to be the backbone of internet connectivity in the U.S.—carrying 80-90% of smartphone internet traffic today. And its role will only expand:
- By 2027, Wi-Fi’s annual economic value in the U.S. is projected to reach $2.4 trillion.
- By 2029, demand for Wi-Fi devices using the 6 GHz band is expected to grow by 288%.
These trends underscore the urgent need for a smart spectrum strategy—one that keeps pace with surging demand and strengthens U.S. innovation.
To maintain this momentum, policymakers must ensure that unlicensed spectrum like the 6 GHz band continues to be available to support Wi-Fi’s evolution. As more devices come online and more industries depend on fast, low-latency connections, expanding access to spectrum will be critical to preserving the performance and reliability Americans rely on every day.
With innovative approaches to spectrum sharing and coexistence, the U.S. can meet growing wireless needs while continuing to lead the world in broadband innovation. A forward-looking spectrum policy will allow Wi-Fi to keep fueling economic growth, empowering consumers, and connecting communities nationwide.
