TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The WBA’s Policy & Regulatory Affairs Work Group is to track global trends and relevant policy & spectrum issues that are of concern to the WBA membership.

The Work Group will coordinate Wi-Fi advocacy efforts across membership, cities, regions and regulators globally to provide and issue industry guidelines and white papers that outline recommendations to regulators and authorities in respect to various spectrums ranges, worldwide bands allocation and public consultation consensus and responses.

BUSINESS & MARKET BENEFITS

Work closely with WBA members and regulatory bodies for on securing more Wi-Fi spectrum, improving security, and enhancing user experiences through innovations like Passpoint® and OpenRoaming™. This ensures businesses gain access to more reliable and secure connectivity, fostering growth.

Validate business opportunities of new Wi-Fi generations and emerging spectrum bands. By engaging with global regulators, businesses can access new markets, stay ahead of technology trends, and unlock growth potential.

Embrace the benefits of WBA OpenRoaming to support user authentication and address regulatory requirements for user identification issues.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

• Advocate for 6 GHz band harmonization and address the US FCC 6 GHz FNPRM gaps to enable broader coverage.
• Promote client-to-client communication capabilities in the 6 GHz band to enhance network performance.
• Lead advocacy efforts with regional stakeholders in Asia and South America to support favorable 6 GHz policies.
• Develop an EU strategy for optimal use of the upper 6 GHz band in future networks
• Align industry strategies for OpenRoaming™ and Passpoint® to improve seamless connectivity and user experience.
• Establish a framework for Wi-Fi emergency calling to strengthen safety and network reliability.