NCTA — The Internet & Television Association

The Future of Connectivity

Wireless Innovation

Wireless spectrum has transformed our lives, delivering seamless internet connectivity that has redefined how we live, work, play, learn, and more. At the heart of this digital revolution is Wi-Fi – the hidden backbone of the internet that keeps us connected and powers our modern lifestyles.

Wi-Fi is the world’s most widely utilized wireless network, responsible for carrying the majority of internet traffic. As usage is soaring, it’s more important than ever to manage spectrum in ways that reflect how consumers access the internet today and into the future.

To keep pace with this demand, modern spectrum policy must focus on:

  • Unleashing technology that brings people and devices closer together
  • Expanding spectrum access so more users can participate
  • Supporting innovations like Wi-Fi to unlock the full potential of high-speed broadband

Advancing these priorities will ensure high-speed broadband benefits everyone, bridging gaps and unlocking more opportunities.

woman doing yoga

Why is unlicensed spectrum so important?

Unlicensed bands are portions of spectrum open to any use and by anyone, as long as devices follow certain technical rules, which are generally built in by manufacturers. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are just two examples of technologies that use unlicensed spectrum. These bands provide a vital platform for innovation, reducing barriers to entry for new technologies, spurring economic growth, and enabling the development of new services.

Priorities for a Smart Spectrum Future through Co-Existence

Explore the Possibilities in the 3.1 GHz Band. Currently, the 3.1-3.45 GHz band is primarily used by the military, but has been identified as an opportunity for non-Federal, i.e., commercial use given its prime location as mid-band spectrum. Federal and commercial stakeholders are studying its potential for commercial use and how the spectrum could be shared given the extensive federal use in the band. As wireless technologies continue to grow, innovative solutions allow spectrum to be shared, maximizing efficient use of this finite resource. 

Open the 7 GHz Band. Currently the 7 GHz band is allocated for primarily federal government use, yet it provides an opportunity to meet the growing demands of Wi-Fi use and other co-existence technologies. Allowing unlicensed use in the 7 GHz band would allow government users to stay in place while also facilitating rapid commercial access

woman talking on phone and using tablet

Wi-Fi Is the Workhorse of the Internet

By carrying the majority of internet traffic, Wi-Fi fuels innovation and job growth.

367
M
6 GHz-enabled Wi-Fi devices by 20291
86
%
Mobile users' data carried over Wi-Fi2
$
2.4
T
Wi-Fi will add $2.4 trillion to the economy by 20273
Sources: 1) ABI Research 2) Opensignal 3) Telecom Advisory Services

Cable Is a Mobile Competitor

Cable operators are now part of the mobile marketplace

Cable is now the fourth largest wireless carrier in the country, with Comcast, Charter and Cox providing mobile service, giving Americans more choices than ever before. By leveraging its extensive broadband and Wi-Fi infrastructure and investing in CBRS spectrum, cable ISPs offer service as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Millions of American consumers are saving money with lower prices and bundled services.

A man uses a cell phone outside while skateboarding