United States Congress has agreed a resolution to make World Wi-Fi Day, 20th June, an official day in the US calendar.
World Wi-Fi Day was introduced by WBA in 2016 to recognise the significant role Wi-Fi is playing in cities and communities around the world and understand how Wi-Fi is helping reduce digital poverty.
In honor of World Wi-Fi Day, celebrated annually on June 20th, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) introduced H.Res. 1189, a resolution in support of the goals and ideals of this day, which is dedicated to advancing Wi-Fi accessibility and recognizing the significant role Wi-Fi plays in our lives.
“Wi-Fi is essential to bridging the digital divide,” said Congressman McNerney. “It is a crucial tool that allows families and friends to stay connected, opens pathways to new economic and educational opportunities, enables broader telehealth accessibility for those in need, and so much more. I’m proud to introduce this resolution recognizing World Wi-Fi Day and the importance of Wi-Fi in Americans’ everyday lives.”
H.Res. 1189 underscores that Wi-Fi connectivity is a critical component of telecommunications infrastructure and emphasizes the growth in Wi-Fi-enabled devices, with some analysts reporting that households in the U.S. have as many as 25 connected devices.
It also highlights that by 2025, the Wi-Fi Alliance estimates the economic value of Wi-Fi to the United States economy will be $1.4 trillion, with the global economic value estimated at $4.9 trillion.
Commenting, Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, said, “Wi-Fi is the most used wireless broadband connectivity technology in the world, carrying over fifty percent of all global Internet traffic. It is a pillar for economic growth and social wellbeing, enabling populations to work, communicate, learn, shop and be entertained. In the last two years alone, Wi-Fi traffic has increased by eighty percent.”
H.Res. 1189 is also cosponsored by Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-18), Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
JR Wilson, AT&T VP of Tower Strategy and Roaming, WBA Chairman, said:
“Wi-Fi is the most ubiquitous technology in the world, over 18 billion Wi-Fi devices exist today and there are over 550 million Wi-Fi hot-spots around the world. It connects people globally as well as at home.
“As chairman of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, I strive to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers, and foster innovation and growth. World Wi-Fi Day is a celebration of this innovation and growth, and all that Wi-Fi brings to our communities, helping all aspects of society thrive. I’m delighted that US congress has announced that it will now have an official place in the United States calendar.”
Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance said:
“Wi-Fi is the most used wireless broadband connectivity technology in the world, carrying over fifty percent of all global Internet traffic. It is a pilar for economic growth and social wellbeing, enabling populations to work, communicate, learn, shop and be entertained. In the last two years alone, Wi-Fi traffic has increased by eighty percent.
“The Wireless Broadband Alliance introduced World Wi-Fi Day in 2016 to celebrate the significant role Wi-Fi is playing in cities and communities around the world and understand how Wi-Fi is helping reduce digital poverty. Our objective is to work with the wireless community to connect the unconnected in urban and remote areas globally.”
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