The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA) announces the hiring of Mike Wendy to lead the association’s policy and grassroots communications efforts.  In this capacity, Mike will work to advance the advocacy of the fixed wireless industry among local and national press outlets, and help its more than 800 members speak effectively to policymakers about the challenges they face bringing high-speed Internet to nearly four million, mainly rural Americans.

Washington, DC – Fixed wireless internet service providers are praising the Federal Communications Commission’s proposal to expand flexible use of the 6 GHz band, saying it would help hundreds of local companies reach more under-served areas, while spurring a great deal of innovation across the economy. 

Many rural Americans rely on unlicensed spectrum for their broadband connection. But that spectrum is becoming noisy and crowded, and with licensed spectrum locked up by larger providers, small fixed wireless broadband providers who want to offer uncapped high-speed service find themselves with limited ability to do so. It is critical for rural broadband that more outdoor-friendly unlicensed spectrum be made available. Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (“WISPA”) is pleased to support the Commission’s efforts to make available 1200 megahertz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use.

In comments filed today at the FCC, WISPA says the agency should dismiss a petition by the auto industry that seeks to assign the 5905-5925 MHz spectrum band exclusively for cellular vehicle-to-everything (“C-V2X”) service.