The WBA Annual Industry Report 2024 is a must-read for anyone wanting to know exactly where Wi-Fi is and where it’s headed. Based on input from 200 enterprises, governments, fixed and mobile operators, vendors and other organizations worldwide, the WBA Annual Industry Report 2024 showcases how Wi-Fi technology continues to evolve in ways that anticipate the needs of consumers, businesses, enterprise verticals, smart cities and service providers.
Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 top the list of wireless technologies that network operators, ISPs, device and chipset vendors, enterprises and other companies plan to deploy by the end of 2024 — ahead of CBRS, DAS and private 4G/5G.
Furthermore, confidence in investment across the sector is rising with 58% saying they are more confident in investing in Wi-Fi compared to a year ago even though the business model remains the most pressing challenge for new deployments. 6GHz spectrum availability also remains front of mind with two thirds deeming it an important issue for 2024.
The report also explores how Wi-Fi benefits 14 vertical markets, including rural communities, connected transportation, health care, aviation and manufacturing. It also provides an update on Wi-Fi’s technology evolution, such as IEEE 802.11bf WLAN Sensing, 802.11bh Randomized MAC Addresses and 802.11bi Enhanced Data Privacy.
Highlights from the report’s other key findings include:
- Over 41% of respondents plan to deploy Wi-Fi 7 by the end of 2024, while 7.5% that already have.
- By the end of 2024, over 47% of respondents plan to add WBA OpenRoaming™ or Passpoint to a new or existing Wi-Fi network.
- Nearly 70% of respondents are either involved with a city-wide public Wi-Fi deployment or plan to be in 2024 or 2025.
- Enabling seamless interoperability between Wi-Fi and LTE/5G is the top reason for deploying WBA OpenRoaming.
- WBA OpenRoaming’s unique combination of convenience and security is ideal for use cases beyond just broadband access.
To find out more, download the WBA Industry Report 2024.
Acknowledgements: Gratitude to the Generous Companies Supporting This Year’s Industry Report Survey
Altai Technologies Ltd | ALTTC (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) | American Bandwidth | Apple Inc. | AT&T | Boldyn Networks | Buena Vista Realty Service | Cardinal Stores | Charter Communications | CIGTEL | Comcast Business | Country Club Markets | Dell’Oro Group | Ethiotelecom | Frank | Hechtman Venture Development | Heights Telecom Switzerland SA | Honest Air Group | Hotwire communications | Hughes & Hatcher | Indio Networks | Korea Telecom | LG UPLUS | Netobill | praana systems | Price | Realty Zone | Rural Broadband Partners | Single Digits | Spaceage Stereo | Star Interior Design | Stop and Shop | TecExpert Brasil | Thrift Auto Parts | Unity Stationers | Vitagee | Winet Infratel Pvt Ltd | Your Future Is Now
*Please note that the list is exclusive and includes only those who have given their consent to be listed.
This whitepaper is brought to you by: WBA’s NextGen Work Group.
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