WiFiForward Debuts, Calls for More Spectrum

Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is partnering with Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), ARRIS (NASDAQ:ARRS), the NCTA, the International Association of Venue Managers, and other companies, organizations and public sector institutions to create a new coalition called WiFiForward, whose mission is to push for more unlicensed spectrum to keep up with growing demand.

In addition to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies used for WiFi today, the consortium wants to open up additional spectrum, such as the 3.5 GHz frequency, for WiFi use.

According to the NCTA, unlicensed spectrum generated $222 billion in value to the U.S. economy in 2013 and contributed $6.7 billion to U.S. GDP.