Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ May Slow Your Wi-Fi Speeds
▼ Summary
– The Senate budget bill removes protections for unlicensed 6GHz Wi-Fi spectrum, potentially slowing Wi-Fi speeds and allowing the FCC to auction it to mobile carriers.
– The bill mandates the FCC to auction 800MHz of spectrum, including parts of the 6GHz band, which could reduce unlicensed spectrum availability by half.
– Senator Cruz argues the auction will prepare carriers for future wireless advancements, though AT&T recently stated it doesn’t urgently need more spectrum.
– The 6GHz band, crucial for Wi-Fi 6E and 7, offers faster, more reliable connections and is used by devices like iPhones, MacBooks, and smart home tech.
– Tech companies like Apple and Meta oppose the auction, stating the 6GHz band is vital for future technologies like AI and AR/VR.
The latest Senate budget proposal could significantly impact Wi-Fi speeds by reallocating valuable spectrum resources. Backed by former President Trump, the legislation removes protections for unlicensed 6GHz frequencies, potentially forcing the FCC to auction portions of this bandwidth to mobile carriers. While supporters argue this move prepares networks for future advancements, critics warn it may degrade home and business Wi-Fi performance.
Currently, the 6GHz band serves as a critical backbone for modern Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies, offering faster speeds and reduced congestion compared to crowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The FCC initially opened this spectrum for unlicensed use in 2020, dramatically expanding wireless capacity. However, the Senate bill mandates the sale of up to 800MHz of this spectrum, including parts of the 6GHz range, to generate government revenue, potentially cutting available bandwidth in half.
Mobile carriers like AT&T stand to benefit from acquiring these airwaves, though the company recently stated it has no immediate need for additional spectrum. Meanwhile, tech giants including Apple, Amazon, and Meta argue that keeping the 6GHz band unlicensed is essential for innovation. In a joint letter to lawmakers, the Wi-Fi Alliance emphasized that this spectrum supports emerging technologies like AI, augmented reality, and smart home devices, all of which rely on high-speed, low-latency connections.
The shift could also affect millions of consumers. Devices such as iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and next-gen gaming consoles already leverage 6GHz Wi-Fi for superior performance. If portions of this spectrum are repurposed, users may experience slower speeds and increased interference, particularly in densely populated areas.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr supports the auction, framing it as a step toward modernizing wireless infrastructure. Yet opponents counter that sacrificing unlicensed spectrum could hinder technological progress just as demand for faster, more reliable Wi-Fi reaches unprecedented levels. With the bill nearing a vote, the debate highlights the growing tension between short-term fiscal priorities and long-term connectivity needs.
(Source: The Verge)
