World of Wi-Fi Roundup - More bandwidth, fewer problems: Wi-Fi 7 performance is looking up - July 3, 2025
Here’s what’s been happening in the world of Wi-Fi and what it all means for the future of connectivity
More bandwidth, fewer problems: Wi-Fi 7 performance is looking up
Wi-Fi 7 is making waves with major performance gains, including wider 320 MHz channels, multi-link operation (MLO), and “spectrum puncturing”—all of which help reduce interference and boost throughput. On the Light Reading podcast, Ekahau's Matt Starling explains how these features improve network efficiency, particularly in challenging environments like healthcare and stadiums, where Cisco just unveiled new configurable Wi-Fi 7 access points. While adoption is still early, Starling says as more devices move to the 6 GHz band, Wi-Fi connectivity will improve which is especially important for verticals such as healthcare.
Full Story: Light Reading (6/25)
MORE NEWS
New study: Lack of Wi-Fi® spectrum jeopardizes Europe’s gigabit connectivity goals
A new study by Plum Consulting warns that Europe may fall short of its 2030 goal to deliver 1 Gbps connectivity to all EU households—unless more Wi-Fi spectrum is made available. Despite major investments in broadband infrastructure, limited access to the 6 GHz band is creating a bottleneck that restricts high-speed coverage, especially in dense urban areas. While countries like the U.S. and South Korea have unlocked the full 6 GHz band, regulatory delays in Europe are putting both residential and enterprise Wi-Fi performance and broader digital ambitions at risk.
Full Story: Wi-Fi NOW & Global (6/18)
Why does AI matter at the edge?
AI at the edge is becoming essential for powering real-time, data-intensive applications close to where they're used. Broadcom’s Vijay Nagarajan compares edge AI to the “spine” of a network, making instant decisions before the cloud, or “brain,” gets involved. From healthcare monitoring to network diagnostics, edge AI brings speed, privacy, and efficiency, but only if backed by strong broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Full Story: RCR Wireless (6/23)
Unlocking the future of innovation, IAFI
At a World Wi-Fi Day event, the ITU-APT Foundation of India spotlighted the recent decision to delicense the lower 6 GHz band, calling it a major step forward for digital innovation. IAFI President Bharat Bhatia emphasized the role of Wi-Fi in enabling new ecosystems around AR/VR, digital health, and robotics. Speakers also stressed the need for balanced spectrum policy to fully unlock the benefits of emerging technologies.
Full Story: Communications Today (6/20)
Cisco Asks FCC to Unlock 6 GHz Wi-Fi for Cruise Ships
Cisco is urging the FCC to lift the ban on using 6 GHz low-power indoor Wi-Fi access points aboard cruise ships, arguing that outdated satellite protection rules no longer apply. With satellite sensors now operating on different frequencies, Cisco says enabling 6 GHz Wi-Fi at sea would greatly enhance connectivity for nearly 20 million U.S. cruise passengers, supporting everything from streaming and communication to ship operations and safety. Cisco emphasizes that this change would require minimal regulatory updates and would modernize both passenger experience and crew capabilities with faster, more reliable internet.
Full Story: Broadband and Breakfast (6/18)