Remarks of FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel on State of Wi-Fi

We need to make Wi-Fi a priority in spectrum policy. So here are three ideas to make it happen.

• First, let’s commit to finding more spectrum for Wi-Fi and unlicensed activity.
• Second, let’s take a fresh look at how Congress accounts for our airwaves. I think it is time to develop a multiplier that accounts for the billions of dollars of activity that new unlicensed spectrum can generate in the economy. Because making small accounting changes could be the ticket to bigger Wi-Fi opportunities in the future.
• Third, let’s make clear that we will not tolerate malicious or willful interference with Wi-Fi. A bunch of hotels banded together and asked the Federal Communications Commission to bless their ability to block hotel guests from using their own Wi-Fi connections under the guise of network security concerns. There are other ways to address legitimate security concerns -- but this is a bad idea. Having more ways to connect in more places makes us stronger -- and will help grow our economy as the Internet grows less visible because it becomes a part of everything we do. So let’s not let this petition linger or create any uncertainty. I hope my colleagues at the FCC will work with me to dismiss this petition without delay. I believe the future of wireless connectivity will be stronger if we make room for more Wi-Fi.