Dublin, Ireland – October 2, 2023 –
In preparation for the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) adopts a position to preserve existing operations while expanding connectivity capabilities in the 6.425-7.125 GHz frequency band (“upper 6 GHz”).
Wi-Fi Alliance® welcomes the decision by European administrations not to support the identification of the upper 6 GHz band for the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) at the upcoming WRC-23 conference[1]. The CEPT[2] has adopted a European Common Proposal (ECP) not to support an IMT identification of the band. The ECP recognizes the importance of the existing communications in the upper 6 GHz frequency band and that this spectrum is needed to support growing demand for licence-exempt connectivity technologies, such as Wi-Fi®. Also, the ECP establishes regulatory constraints necessary for IMT coexistence with incumbent services in the upper 6 GHz band.
Following extensive technical studies and deliberations, the ECP represents a key step towards realising the connectivity objectives identified in the European Union’s Digital Decade programme. Importantly, access to the upper 6 GHz frequency band is needed to support major advances in Wi-Fi technology, such as increased data throughput rates, ultra-low and deterministic latencies, better mobility, and high densities of users/devices. The case for allowing Wi-Fi access to the entire 6 GHz band (i.e., 5.925 to 7.125 GHz) is clear and compelling. 6 GHz Wi-Fi is already delivering significant socioeconomic benefits in many countries. With a diverse and growing 6 GHz product ecosystem, Wi-Fi fits perfectly with market needs and customer preferences for broadband wireless connectivity without disrupting 6 GHz incumbent users. Wi-Fi operations in the 6 GHz band quickly and significantly enhance the value of the band when such Wi-Fi operation is allowed.
Conversely, the immaturity of the 6 GHz IMT equipment ecosystem, along with regulatory decisions already adopted in several countries, suggests that IMT deployments in the 6 GHz band are not feasible in the short-to-medium term. The value and benefits of 6 GHz spectrum would be curbed by an IMT designation, which will result in a connectivity divide between regions where Wi-Fi has access to only part of the band and regions where it will operate in the full 6 GHz band.
Commercial viability of IMT networks under the regulatory constraints specified in the ECP is questionable. Recognizing that IMT operations in the upper 6 GHz band are unlikely to materialize, while delaying needed spectrum capacity for Wi-Fi undermines the benefits this technology is ready to deliver to the European consumers and businesses.
Wi-Fi Alliance looks forward to supporting the CEPT efforts at WRC-23.
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Austin, Texas, – September 28, 2023 –
Wi-Fi Alliance® enthusiastically supports the FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s proposal to adopt new rules for Very Low Power (VLP) unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band. Under the proposed regulatory framework, millions of Americans will gain access to the fast-growing VLP ecosystem and the next generation of Wi-Fi® use cases. Importantly, this decision also strengthens the U.S. influence at the upcoming 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference which will consider international harmonization of the 6 GHz band. Since access to the 6 GHz band remains critical to the future of Wi-Fi, we look forward to the prompt resolution of all outstanding issues in this proceeding.
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain and Austin, TX – September 12, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance®, the leading Wi-Fi® industry organization, successfully hosted the first public demonstration of the next generation of Wi-Fi technology (“Wi-Fi 7”) in the Middle East. The demonstration was organized in conjunction with the Arab Spectrum Management Group (ASMG) meeting in preparation for the upcoming 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23). As spectrum regulators gathered in Manama to consider regional alignment on WRC-23 agenda items, Wi-Fi Alliance demonstrated the critical importance of the 6.425-7.125 GHz band to the future of Wi-Fi in the Middle East and worldwide.
During the event, Wi-Fi Alliance® shared with the ASMG members the rapid growth of the Wi-Fi ecosystem in the 6 GHz frequency band, the socioeconomic benefits this brings to a country, and how the latest Wi-Fi technologies will further accelerate those benefits. Representatives from
Wi-Fi Alliance members – Broadcom, Cisco, HPE Aruba Networking, and Meta – showed how the latest generation of Wi-Fi operating in the full 6 GHz band drives innovation in their products and services to the benefit of consumers and businesses.
With the support of Broadcom, Wi-Fi Alliance hosted a regional first public demonstration of Wi-Fi 7 for ASMG participants. One demo showed the throughput capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 using Broadcom’s Wi-Fi 7 access point and client device reference designs. The demo showed a Wi-Fi 7 device operating in a 320 MHz channel at over 11 meters distance with throughputs of up to 3.7 Gbps downlink and 3.4 Gbps uplink. Another demo showed how multi-link operations (MLO) can provide deterministic low latency even when the radio waves are fully loaded.
Kevin Robinson, CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance said:
“Wi-Fi Alliance and industry partners are advocating for an outcome at WRC that will allow for licence-exempt use of the full 6 GHz band. Only then will the industry be able to deliver Wi-Fi’s full potential in the band, offering innovative new products and services that will support the connectivity agendas of countries around the world. By globally harmonizing use of this band for Wi-Fi, significant progress can be made to reduce congestion, leverage the potential of the growing number of fiber connections, and meet demand in a more energy efficient way.[1]”
Chris Szymanski, director of product marketing for Broadcom’s Wireless Communications and Connectivity Division added:
“These demonstrations showcase the capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 products that are sampling with our customers. The demonstrations were in configurations that we expect to be widely available in the market soon. The opportunities are real. This is a win-win for Arab states and would allow administrations to make advanced wireless broadband services accessible to their citizens, while still giving priority to fixed satellite services and fixed microwave services.”
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Austin, Texas, – August 7, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® is augmenting Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6® testing protocols to support the regulatory authorization process of 6 GHz standard power devices pursuant to recently published Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) guidance. Release of this new testing allows product vendors and service providers to verify that the 6 GHz standard power devices meet the technical requirements in Part 15, Subpart E of the FCC rules pertaining to operations under control of the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system.
Wi-Fi Alliance members undergoing Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 testing can leverage nine Wi-Fi Alliance accredited Authorized Test Laboratories (ATL) – that are also FCC-recognized accredited test labs –– to efficiently complete regulatory testing of their 6 GHz standard power devices.
Certification for Wi-Fi 6E devices, as part of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6, helps ensure products meet high standards for interoperability, security, and a range of application specific protocols. Wi-Fi® interoperability in 6 GHz promotes worldwide innovation and a diverse 6 GHz ecosystem. With the new standard power device testing capability, members can maximize efficiency and expediency in obtaining regulatory equipment authorization, while ensuring their devices meet high Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ standards.
Wi-Fi Alliance is leading the development of specifications, test plans, and training modules to enable implementation of 6 GHz standard power devices under control of the AFC system, and this new capability further underscores our work goal to drive the broadest possible adoption of 6 GHz. The AFC system approach maximizes spectrum availability for license-exempt devices, such as Wi-Fi, by dynamically determining channel availability at specified locations to avoid and protect licensed operations in the 6 GHz frequency band.
Additional information is available through our website: Wi-Fi Alliance 6 GHz AFC Resources
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Austin, TX and Washington, D.C. – July 31, 2023 – As policymakers around the world consider the future of the 6 gigahertz (GHz) frequency band, a new report from WIK-Consult provides clear evidence that allowing Wi-Fi® access to the entire frequency band advances environmental sustainability goals in combating climate change. The WIK-Consult study prepared for Wi-Fi Alliance® – Sustainability Benefits of 6 GHz Spectrum Policy – shows that with sufficient access to spectrum, Wi-Fi outperforms cellular networks in delivering broadband connectivity with significant reductions in energy consumption and environmental footprint.
Wi-Fi Alliance is proud to contribute this report to help countries’ ambitious aims to respond to the climate change threat. According to the WIK-Consult analysis, allowing Wi-Fi access to the entire 6 GHz frequency band in Europe would eliminate 3.2 megatons of CO2 emission per year. Similar results can be expected in other parts of the world.
The upcoming 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference presents policymakers with a unique and compelling opportunity to leverage 6 GHz spectrum policy to enable broadband connectivity, deliver economic value, and advance environmental sustainability. Wi-Fi Alliance calls on policymakers to recognize that opening the 6 GHz band to Wi-Fi – in addition to environmental benefits – enables a wide range of new technologies and use cases, which aligns with growing broadband (e.g., fiber) deployments. Wi-Fi connectivity is versatile, extremely affordable, and compatible with existing networks that share security, management, and authentication implementations. This makes Wi-Fi an ideal “force multiplier.”
Read the full report: https://www.wi-fi.org/file/sustainability-benefits-of-6-ghz-spectrum-policy.
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Austin, TX and Washington, D.C. – July 12, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® congratulates Anna Gomez, Brendan Carr and Geoffrey Starks on approval of their nominations to the Federal Communications Commission by the Senate Commerce Committee. We look forward to their prompt confirmation by the U.S. Senate and to working with these highly experienced and dedicated civil servants on delivering Wi-Fi® connectivity benefits across America.
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Washington, DC – June 20, 2023 – The Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) and Wi-Fi Alliance® have jointly presented the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the complete package of specifications and test plans for the 6 GHz Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system. Delivery of this package is the culmination of a multiyear effort by both organizations to advance connectivity in the 6 GHz band representing consensus of the 6 GHz stakeholders including component and equipment manufacturers, AFC System applicants, network operators, incumbent and unlicensed operators, system integrators, software companies and many others.
“Completion of this specification and test plan package is a momentous step towards enabling a robust Wi-Fi® ecosystem in the 6 GHz frequency band,” said Alex Roytblat, Vice-President of Worldwide Regulatory Affairs at Wi-Fi Alliance. “This achievement represents remarkable collaboration between WInnForum, Wi-Fi Alliance®, and our member companies.”
“We’re excited about completing our specifications and test plans and are looking forward to moving into the AFC testing and certification phase,” said Mark Gibson, Sr. Director of Regulatory and Policy at CommScope and President and Chair of the WInnForum. “The great collaboration among the members of WInnForum and Wi-Fi Alliance® was key to ensuring broad stakeholder representation.”
Wi-Fi Alliance® resources for the 6 GHz AFC are available here and include:
WInnForum core documents include:
About the Wireless Innovation Forum
Established in 1996, the Wireless Innovation Forum™ comprises an international group of equipment vendors, subsystem vendors, software developers, technology developers, communication service providers, research and engineering organizations, academic institutions, government users, regulators and others who share the common business interests of advancing technologies supporting the innovative utilization of spectrum and the development of wireless communications systems, including essential or critical communications systems. www.WirelessInnovation.org. Forum projects are supported by platinum sponsor Thales.
About Wi-Fi Alliance
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
# # #
Editorial Contacts
Highwire PR for Wi-Fi Alliance, [email protected]
Lee Pucker, 604-828-9876, [email protected] or
Stephanie Hamill, 970-290-9543 or [email protected]
Austin, TX – June 15, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® commends the Bureau of Radio Regulation (State Radio Office), a subsidiary of Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, on issuing a consultation on the “Notice on New Type Approval Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Wireless LAN Equipment Adopting IEEE 802.11be Technical Standards”.
This important initiative advances authorization of Wi-Fi 7 in the People’s Republic of China for the benefit of consumers and industry. Wi-Fi Alliance and our member companies stand ready to move forward with enabling the next generation of Wi-Fi® in China consistent with all applicable regulations and requirements.
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Follow Wi-Fi Alliance:
wi-fi.org/beacon
wi-fi.org/signal
facebook.com/wificertified
twitter.com/wifialliance
linkedin.com/company/wi-fi-alliance
youtube.com/wifialliance
Media Contact:
Highwire PR for Wi-Fi Alliance
[email protected]
Austin, TX and Washington, D.C. – May 24, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® hosted member companies Broadcom, Cisco Systems, Extreme Networks, LitePoint, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and RUCKUS Networks/CommScope for an AFC Device Under Test (DUT) Test Harness event. The goal of the event was to validate test harness implementation and to assess standard power device readiness to operate in conformance with requirements established by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The event successfully demonstrated compliance of all devices with the Wi-Fi Alliance System to Device Interface (SDI) specification and their readiness to effectively operate under the control of an AFC system.
The AFC DUT Test Harness simulates the behavior of an AFC system and is used to automate procedures described in the AFC DUT Compliance Test Plan for 6 GHz standard power devices. The successful outcome of this event underscores the Wi-Fi® industry’s readiness towards enabling 6 GHz standard power device operation. Significant accomplishments of this event included:
Recent forecasts indicate that standard power 6 GHz devices will drive a 50+% increase in overall Wi-Fi access point shipments by 2028.[1] Wi-Fi Alliance looks forward to enabling this growing ecosystem and is working with regulatory authorities to enable standard power Wi-Fi operations around the world.
For more information on 6 GHz AFC resources, please visit https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/6-ghz-afc-resources.
Industry support for this milestone:
“Standard power Wi-Fi 7 will be a game changer, not only for outdoor networks, but to provide a significant boost to indoor wireless broadband. The Wi-Fi Alliance test harness will provide a pathway for industry to certify that standard power access points operating under the control of an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) System comply with regulatory requirements. Broadcom was delighted to collaborate with industry partners to validate standard power 6 GHz Wi-Fi market readiness.” – Christopher Szymanski, Director of Product Marketing, Wireless Communications and Connectivity Division, Broadcom
“Thanks to Wi-Fi Alliance, industry partners, and our team for this successful event. Cisco is fully committed to continued contribution and collaboration towards the success of the AFC program and 6 GHz standard power market availability.” – Bahador Amiri, Senior Director of Wireless Engineering, Cisco Systems
“RUCKUS Networks is excited to have participated successfully in the Wi-Fi Alliance AFC DUT Test Harness testing event with R560, one of our Wi-Fi 6E APs, and AFC proxy. This demonstrates a significant milestone in the development of AFC and takes the industry much closer to realizing the benefits of full, standard power in the 6 GHz band. RUCKUS’s AFC Proxy will enable a fully scalable, enterprise-grade support for deployment of our 6 GHz Access Points, taking advantage of this once-in-a-generation increase in Wi-Fi capacity, extending Wi-Fi performance into reliable multi-gigabit speeds,” – Bart Giordano, SVP & President, Networking, Intelligent Cellular & Security Solutions (NICS), CommScope
“Extreme continues to drive the Wi-Fi industry forward and the most recent milestone is the validation of our standard power access points in accordance with AFC DUT Compliance – which is a significant step in the broader industry’s adoption and transition to embracing standard power 6 GHz Wi-Fi. This accomplishment is a testament to our commitment to securing FCC certification for standard power devices, a crucial step toward implementing Automated Frequency Coordination. We look forward to the completion of FCC certification requirements as it pertains to Wi-Fi 6E as it will drive a significant wave of innovation, performance, and experiences like we have never seen before.” – Dan DeBacker, Senior Vice President of Product Management, Extreme Networks
“As a leader in wireless test solutions, LitePoint is pleased about the continued collaboration with Wi-Fi Alliance to enhance the adoption of the 6 GHz band. With the success of the forthcoming AFC certification, standard power access points will facilitate high density deployments and offer uninterrupted connectivity at both scale and speed. LitePoint’s test equipment will continue to assist product makers in their AFC certification journey and ensure that the Wi-Fi products they ship consistently meet and exceed the highest industry standards.” – Adam Smith, Director of Product Marketing, LitePoint
“Our leadership in Wi-Fi technology would not be complete without ensuring our customers have easy access to AFC solutions. We are delighted to have successfully participated in the Wi-Fi Alliance AFC DUT Test event alongside our industry partners. Our Filogic Wi-Fi 7 and 6E chips commit to support standard power operation in 6 GHz spectrum for companies who produce Wi-Fi devices.” – Alan Hsu, Corporate Vice President of Intelligent Connectivity Business Unit, MediaTek
“We applaud Wi-Fi Alliance’s progress towards advancing the certification of AFC. We have been an active participant in enabling the industry with AFC DUT Compliance testing framework as it is a vital step towards enabling improved access to this important spectrum. Qualcomm Technologies turnkey AFC Solution’s agent meets the requirements of the AFC DUT Compliance Test Plan, an important milestone towards commercial enablement.” – Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Infrastructure and Networking, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Austin, TX and Washington, D.C. – February 16, 2023 – Wi-Fi Alliance® is disappointed with the decision by Mexico’s Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) to open only the lower portion of the 6 GHz band for license-exempt applications such as Wi-Fi®. Internet connectivity is an essential socioeconomic function, and Wi-Fi is the primary means of delivering Internet to consumers and enterprises in Mexico. The lack of sufficient spectrum access threatens the full realization of Wi-Fi performance and economic benefits. Wi-Fi Alliance notes that this decision undermines spectrum harmonization with other countries in the Americas, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, U.S., and others. Wi-Fi Alliance remains committed to working with IFT on delivering Wi-Fi technology benefits across Mexico.
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 75,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Follow Wi-Fi Alliance:
wi-fi.org/beacon
wi-fi.org/signal
facebook.com/wificertified
twitter.com/wifialliance
linkedin.com/company/wi-fi-alliance
youtube.com/wifialliance
Media Contact:
Highwire PR for Wi-Fi Alliance
[email protected]
