Arlington, VA — The American Consumer Institute (ACI) has released a report detailing the economic and consumer benefits of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to allocate 22 MHz of spectrum from Globalstar’s 2.4 GHz band to expand Wi-Fi services. ACI’s analysis finds that the proposal could generate $11 billion annually in GDP and create nearly 90,000 new jobs while alleviating congestion in Wi-Fi hotspots and maintaining critical satellite services.
Read the full report here.
Key Takeaways:
- Economic Growth: Expanding Wi-Fi capacity by 22 MHz is projected to generate $11 billion in GDP annually and create approximately 88,500 full-time jobs.
- Consumer Benefits: Increased Wi-Fi capacity would improve broadband access, reduce network congestion, enhance internet speeds, and allow for greater offloading of data, lowering consumer costs.
- Efficient Use of Spectrum: The FCC proposal leverages existing Wi-Fi chipsets, allowing consumers to benefit quickly without the delays associated with deploying new technologies.
- Support for Public Services: The proposal includes the deployment of 20,000 free access points to schools, colleges, and hospitals, as well as free satellite services during national emergencies.
Call to Action: The American Consumer Institute urges Congress and the FCC to adopt the proposed rules to expand Wi-Fi capacity, recognizing the significant economic and consumer benefits. Policymakers should also continue to explore additional opportunities to allocate both licensed and unlicensed spectrum for broadband use, ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in wireless connectivity.
For more information or to discuss this issue further, ACI is available to engage with policymakers and stakeholders.
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The American Consumer Institute is a nonprofit education and research organization. For more information about the Institute, visit www.TheAmericanConsumer.Org or follow us on X @ConsumerPal.