Congress recently passed a huge new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Most of the news coverage focused on things like taxes and health care. But hidden inside this bill is something that could quietly change how fast and reliable your Wi-Fi is at home, at work, or at school.
Here’s what’s going on—and why it matters to you.
What Did Congress Actually Do?
The law gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the power to auction off certain parts of the wireless spectrum. That’s the invisible range of radio waves that makes things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even your phone signal work.
Congress wants the FCC to sell at least 800 MHz of this spectrum to companies like cellphone carriers, which would then get exclusive rights to use it. The goal is to raise money and expand access to mobile service—but there’s a catch.
Some of the spectrum that might be sold includes the 6 GHz band, which is what powers the latest high-speed Wi-Fi connections (Wi-Fi 6E and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7).
Wait… What Is the 6 GHz Band?
Think of the wireless spectrum like a highway. Each band is a lane where your devices send and receive data.
The 6 GHz band is one of the newest and fastest lanes. It gives your devices more room to “drive,” which means:
- Faster internet speeds
- Less interference (especially in busy areas like apartment buildings)
- The ability to connect more devices at once
If this band is sold to private companies, they could use it only for their own services, which might limit how much is left for public Wi-Fi.
Why Should You Care?
Most people don’t think about how Wi-Fi works—they just expect it to. But the 6 GHz band plays a big role in making your internet feel fast and reliable, especially if you’re using newer routers or many connected devices at once.
If too much of the 6 GHz band is sold off:
- Your Wi-Fi could slow down during peak hours
- You might experience more dropped connections or buffering
- Devices that support newer Wi-Fi versions might not work as well
For families, students, remote workers, small businesses, and hospitals—this could create real problems.
What Happened to the Rules That Protected Wi-Fi?
Earlier versions of the bill had rules to keep the 6 GHz band open for public use. But those protections were removed before the final vote.
Now, the FCC can decide whether to sell parts of that band. They haven’t made a final decision yet—but if they do, it could change how Wi-Fi works across the country.
What Can You Do?
The good news? Nothing is set in stone yet. Here are a few things you can do to stay ahead:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from the FCC or groups like Public Knowledge and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
- Be smart when buying tech: If you’re shopping for a new router or devices, choose ones that support both 5 GHz and 6 GHz. That gives you more options, no matter what happens.
- Talk to your IT provider: They can help you get ready and keep your network strong and secure, even if the airwaves get more crowded.
Final Thought
Most people didn’t notice this part of the bill, but it could affect millions of homes, schools, and offices. Selling off parts of the 6 GHz band might make the internet feel slower and more frustrating—just when we’re relying on it more than ever.
At ITGuys, we help people and businesses across Denver stay connected, secure, and prepared for whatever changes come next. If you need help understanding how this law might affect you, or just want to make sure your network is ready, we’re here to help.
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