Original release distributed by Congressional Wi-Fi Caucus
Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Pete Ricketts, Senator Jacky Rosen, Congressman Bob Latta, and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. announced that they will co-chair the relaunch of the bipartisan, bicameral Wi-Fi Caucus. Initially founded in 2018, the Wi-Fi Caucus is dedicated to assisting Members of Congress in better understanding how Wi-Fi benefits the American public, consumers, economy, and the larger geopolitical standing of the United States.
“Supporting American technologies is the best way to combat Communist China. We must strengthen domestic access to Wi-Fi to promote innovation and avoid reliance on foreign networks. The Wi-Fi Caucus will focus on smart spectrum policy that strengthens security and hardens data privacy for all Americans,” said Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE).
“Affordable, reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a critical tool that connects communities, supports businesses, and makes education and health care accessible,” said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). “That’s why my colleagues and I are launching this bipartisan, bicameral Wi-Fi Caucus to increase connectivity and innovation through high speed, wireless internet. The Wi-Fi Caucus will highlight the importance of investing in American broadband technology, which will enhance security, boost our digital economy, and ensure that all Americans can benefit from this technology.”
“Wi-Fi is the backbone of how Americans connect today, whether they are accessing the Internet, working remotely, or managing smart devices at home or in their businesses. As this technology continues to shape our daily lives, Congress must have a clear understanding of its role in our modern economy. I look forward to the Wi-Fi Caucus working to inform our efforts in Congress to keep consumers connected and our country competitive,” said Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05).
“Now more than ever before, access to reliable internet is a necessity for Americans of all backgrounds for their education, health care, jobs, and essential public services. Bridging the digital divide is critical to ensure every community can fully participate in today’s economy and democratic society. As policymakers, we have an obligation to ensure every citizen has access to reliable, equitable, and affordable high-speed internet – and close the digital divide once and for all. By relaunching the Wi-Fi Caucus, we take a crucial step towards bipartisan policy solutions that ensure digital equality and access to the internet for all of our constituents,” said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).
In addition to the co-chairs, relevant groups and organizations have applauded the formation of this new, bipartisan, bicameral caucus.
“WifiForward applauds the establishment of a bipartisan, bicameral Wi-Fi Caucus and thanks co-chairs Sen. Pete Ricketts, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Rep. Bob Latta, and Rep. Troy Carter for their leadership on an American innovation success story that impacts every single American, regardless of party, district, or state,” said Mary Brown, Executive Director, WifiForward. “We thank all the members for being champions of Wi-Fi and their commitment to uplifting its uniquely American success story. WifiForward looks forward to working with the Caucus on critical priorities, like unleashing more unlicensed spectrum, to expand fast, affordable connectivity for all Americans.”
“Robust, reliable Wi-Fi is the backbone of America’s digital economy and everyday life,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, Consumer Technology Association (CTA). “We thank Senators Pete Ricketts and Jacky Rosen, and Representatives Bob Latta and Troy Carter, for relaunching the bipartisan Wi-Fi Caucus and reaffirming their commitment to connecting every community. CTA looks forward to engaging with the Caucus to unlock additional unlicensed spectrum to support Wi-Fi driven innovation.”
“Wi-Fi Alliance applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Pete Ricketts and Jacky Rosen and Representatives Bob Latta and Troy Carter for reestablishing the Wi-Fi Caucus to advance policies that sustain U.S. leadership in wireless innovation,” said Kevin Robinson, President and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. “Wi-Fi is the primary way Americans connect to the internet, delivering hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic value. Ensuring continued access to vital unlicensed spectrum, including the full 6 GHz band, and other innovation-enabling policies will empower Wi-Fi to meet the nation’s growing connectivity needs and extend digital opportunity to every community.”
“Congratulations to the co-leaders of the Wi-Fi Caucus. This caucus will play an essential role in helping Members of Congress and their staff understand the dynamic and rapidly evolving technologies that underpin the success of Wi-Fi. Since our founding, the WBA has been dedicated to resolving business challenges and fostering collaboration among service providers, enterprises, and cities so they can deliver outstanding and secure Wi-Fi experiences and fully realize the commercial opportunities emerging across the ecosystem. Through convening industry stakeholders and publishing technical reports and standards throughout the year, we work to advance innovation and best practices across the sectors. We look forward to working with the Wi-Fi Caucus to share insights, support its educational mission, and highlight the WBA’s role in driving progress for the entire wireless community,” said Tiago Rodrigues, President and CEO at the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA).
“Wi-Fi is the workhorse of the internet, carrying the majority of internet traffic — including nearly 90% of mobile data — and powering consumers and businesses in countless ways. Its impact on American ingenuity and innovation is massive, fueling broad-based economic growth and generating more than $2.1 trillion in value between 2025 and 2027. The creation of the bipartisan Congressional Wi-Fi Caucus recognizes Wi-Fi’s essential role in connecting lives, advancing this home-grown technology, and driving the growth of our digital economy. We thank Caucus co-chairs Senators Ricketts and Rosen and Representatives Latta and Carter for their leadership in promoting America’s Wi-Fi interests,” said Hon. Cory Gardner, President & CEO, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association.
“WISPA has long supported the advancement, maintenance, and growth of Wi-Fi and unlicensed spectrum by Congress. The recently launched Wi-Fi Caucus provides an excellent bipartisan forum for open and informed dialogue. We look forward to working with House Chairs Latta and Carter and Senate Chairs Ricketts and Rosen on this critical issue for our members and industry,” said WISPA President and CEO David Zumwalt.
