Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) are feeling some of the same pain hurting the rest of the tech world, not to mention the global economy. According to Cambium Networks’ sixth annual WISP survey conducted this summer, optimism about the future — while still high — fell 10%, to 71% in 2022, primarily due to concerns about spectrum availability. In contrast, optimism had hit a record-high 81% in 2021.
But there is light on the horizon. The availability of new spectrum at 6 GHz forecasted for 2023 will provide a significant boost for U.S. operators and others as the band opens around the world for outdoor fixed wireless broadband applications. In field trials, 6 GHz technology is proving its merits, especially in terms of high-capacity throughput.
