Page 84 - SAMENA Trends - August 2020

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

to bridging the gap in connectivity that the already heavily used 5 GHz band. By will emerge from the evolution of Wi-Fi 6
exists globally. The Automated Frequency harnessing larger bandwidth channels, and the harmonization of 6 GHz, positively
Control spectrum sharing technology that this new Wi-Fi frequency will act as an impacting citizens and businesses.
Wi-Fi 6 utilises makes it a complimentary instant pathway to faster connection
service to many other technologies speeds free of congestion. This increased The DSA advocates for
including CBRS and 5G, which ultimately range and efficiency of data transmission
supports a network that establishes and will therefore be boosted further, allowing more unlicensed spectrum
upholds strong, broad coverage. With the for a greater potential of Wi-Fi usage to be to be allocated to Wi-Fi
amount of Wi-Fi 6 hotspots expected to realised in the industry.
grow 13-fold globally to 628 million by networks and wireless
2023 – accounting for 11% of all public With operators now embracing the devices. This is important
hotspots – this will increase the global introduction of Wi-Fi 6 to their networks to future innovations in
reach of internet connectivity, impacting and routers, its roll-out to the mainstream
communities worldwide, as well as increase consumer is moving rapidly. It is expected augmented and virtual
the potential for connectivity in already that a multitude of Wi-Fi 6 compatible reality (AR/VR), as well as
digital societies. Ultimately, Wi-Fi 6 is a devices will see their release throughout
crucial contributor to this next generation this year, with 56% of new devices advanced peripherals and
of dynamic spectrum management. harnessing the technology by 2022. in-car connectivity that will
This indicates that a range of brand new,
The Future of Wi-Fi 6 cutting-edge technologies will also be accelerate the deployment
The future of Wi-Fi 6 sees the utilisation released in the future, eliminating the of 5G capable networks.
of the spectrum being broadened with barriers that gaming, smart home and IoT
the use of larger bandwidth channels in industries previously faced.
the 6 GHz band; easily expandable from The introduction of Wi-Fi 6 would expand
Wi-Fi 6 and the DSA the possibilities for connection not only
With operators now The DSA advocates for policies that in well-developed areas of the world,
promote unlicensed and dynamic access
but also in less-developed countries
embracing the introduction to spectrum to unleash economic growth wherein connectivity is sparse, yet
of Wi-Fi 6 to their networks and innovation. Spectrum authorities crucial for improving citizens’ quality of
should target a balanced regulatory
life. Regulators should conscientiously
and routers, its roll-out to approach between licensed, license- allow a license-exempt use of the 6 GHz
the mainstream consumer exempt (unlicensed), and lightly licensed, band, enabling Wi-Fi 6, to ensure that the
is moving rapidly. It is to enable making unused spectrum accessibility of this new, vital technology
has no limitations and reaches its full
available for broadband.
expected that a multitude potential and audience. This way, it
of Wi-Fi 6 compatible The DSA advocates for more unlicensed is far more likely that those who need
spectrum to be allocated to Wi-Fi networks
connection most will receive it without it
devices will see their and wireless devices. This is important being capitalised upon. Wi-Fi has rapidly
release throughout this to future innovations in augmented and become a crucial tool in our global society
year, with 56% of new virtual reality (AR/VR), as well as advanced and is no longer a luxury. Wi-Fi 6 has
peripherals and in-car connectivity that
the potential to improve lives worldwide,
devices harnessing the will accelerate the deployment of 5G relieving and meeting the needs of both
technology by 2022. capable networks. A large number of new developed and developing countries.
use cases, including these and beyond,

About the author
Since May 2019, Dr. Martha Suarez is the President of the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance DSA, a global organization advocating for laws and regulations that will lead to more
efficient and effective spectrum utilization, which is essential to addressing key social and economic challenges, worldwide.

84 AUGUST 2020