WiFi is getting its own congressional caucus.
Reps. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) have launched the bipartisan WiFi Caucus.
That comes as the FCC is moving fast on freeing up spectrum, including unlicensed, for broadband.
The legislators pointed out that WiFi delivers more than half of all internet traffic and over 60% of mobile network offload. It is also the way cable broadband operators are reaching their increasingly mobile broadband subs.
Caucuses bring legislators together over common interests in an issue.
“The integral role that WiFi plays in our telecommunication infrastructure positively affects our economy, American businesses, consumers, and our way of life,” said Latta.
“WiFi Alliance commends Congressmen Latta and McNerney on the creation of a congressional WiFi Caucus to address important policy considerations shaping the future of WiFi innovation,” said alliance president Edgar Figueroa. “WiFi brings critical connectivity to society while contributing hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. economic value. The WiFi Caucus will inform decisions to support a WiFi ecosystem that will continue to provide ubiquitous and affordable connectivity while creating jobs, innovation, and value to the U.S. economy.”
There is already a Congressional Internet Caucus, but not one dealing specifically with WiFi.
