Dynamic Spectrum Alliance’s Call for Support in Europe’s Wi-Fi Evolution
The Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) is making a significant push for the European Commission (EC) to allocate the upper 6GHz band for license-exempt use, emphasizing the importance of Wi-Fi technologies for the continent’s businesses. In a bold statement, the DSA underscores that "Wi-Fi matters," highlighting both its economic and social relevance in today’s digital landscape.
Who is the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance?
The DSA positions itself as a global, cross-industry, non-profit organization focused on advocating for laws, regulations, and economic best practices that promote efficient spectrum utilization. With a mission to foster innovation and affordable connectivity for all, the DSA comprises a diverse array of members, including industry associations, equipment manufacturers, internet service providers, chipset suppliers, and technology developers. This broad coalition of 58 organizations reflects a unified belief in the transformational power of Wi-Fi as a complement to 5G, fiber, and satellite technologies.
The Importance of Wi-Fi in Europe
The DSA asserts that Wi-Fi is foundational to cultivating a competitive and connected Europe. Key infrastructures, such as hospitals and educational institutions, depend heavily on reliable Wi-Fi connectivity to enhance patient care and educational opportunities. Without access to additional Wi-Fi spectrum, European businesses may find themselves at a disadvantage, facing higher wireless connectivity costs and limited access to next-generation technologies.
The implications are profound. The letter to Henna Virkkunen, the EC executive vice-president responsible for technology sovereignty, reminds policymakers of the critical need for enhanced spectrum access. Without it, Europe risks undermining its ambitions to lead in innovation across various sectors.
Wi-Fi’s Role in Innovation and Connectivity
In its letter, the DSA notes that the upper 6GHz band can provide high-speed, ultra-low latency, and cost-effective connectivity solutions, essential for fostering innovations such as automated manufacturing and smart logistics. The integrations of Wi-Fi with industrial IoT applications highlight its versatility and capability to drive efficiency.
The organization emphasizes that the lack of additional Wi-Fi spectrum would not only impede these advancements but would also compromise the effectiveness of the significant investments already made in fiber networks. Essentially, there’s a clear correlation between spectrum availability and the realization of innovative applications across multiple industries.
A Call to Action for European Policymakers
The letter from the DSA sends a direct message to Virkkunen, alerting her to the vital role her portfolio plays in shaping European technology policy. While acknowledging the progress made thus far, it suggests that a competitive and connected Europe is still a work in progress. The DSA points out that Europe is lagging behind in the adoption of the latest Wi-Fi standards, which could stifle its economic competitiveness.
Crucially, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group, currently convened by the European Commission, is exploring strategies for the upper 6 GHz band. DSA argues that the decisions made in this context will have far-reaching consequences for Europe’s technological landscape, including enabling the rollout of Wi-Fi generations 6E, 7, and even 8.
The Digital Networks Act and Future Connectivity
The letter emphasizes the significance of the Digital Networks Act, the review of the European Electronic Communications Code, and the ambitious 2030 Digital Decade targets, which are envisioned as stepping stones to fulfilling Europe’s promise of becoming a leader in AI and digital technologies.
In straightforward terms, the DSA expresses a singular yet potent request: to make the upper 6 GHz band (6.425–7.125 GHz) available for unrestricted Wi-Fi operations. Such a move is seen as essential for meeting the connectivity requirements of citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing them with sustainable and efficient internet connections.
Final Thoughts
In summoning the collective voices of its members, the DSA is issuing a rallying cry for regulators and policymakers across Europe. By positioning Wi-Fi firmly at the center of the continent’s connectivity strategy, the DSA envisions a future where technological advancements are not just a luxury but a standard, accessible to all. This initiative not only calls for enhanced spectrum allocation but also underscores the broader significance of maintaining Europe’s competitive edge in the global marketplace.
