The Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) report, WBA Industry Report 2026, revealing a notable 62% of survey respondents feel more confident about investing in Wi-Fi compared to the previous year. This optimistic outlook reflects a dynamic landscape where Wi-Fi and 5G are increasingly seen as complementary technologies essential for enterprise flexibility.
“This year’s WBA Industry Report survey makes it clear that the Wi-Fi community is building the next generation of converged connectivity. The momentum for Wi-Fi 7 and AI-driven networks is strong, with significant benefits to operational efficiency, performance, and reliability,” noted WBA president and CEO Tiago Rodrigues.
The report highlights several key insights, including that 38% of organisations plan to roll out Wi-Fi 7 in 2025 or 2026. This aligns with the growing recognition of the 6 GHz spectrum, deemed important or critical by 65% of respondents for the future of their Wi-Fi strategies. Moreover, 32% are looking to deploy AI and cognitive networks, further indicating a transformative shift in network management.
The survey also points out that 60% of respondents view the convergence of Wi-Fi and 5G networks as vital, indicating that both technologies can coexist to enhance enterprise flexibility. The integration of these networks offers organisations the potential to streamline operations and improve connectivity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
OpenRoaming is emerging as a pivotal technology, with 38% of respondents already deploying compliant networks and 32% intending to do so by the end of 2026. This framework facilitates seamless connectivity across Wi-Fi and cellular networks, a vital component in today’s mobile-first environment. The demand for frictionless Wi-Fi access was cited by 63% of respondents as a primary driver for investment in OpenRoaming technologies.
As enterprises continue to navigate expanding demands for connectivity, network security and privacy remain top priorities. A significant 76% of respondents ranked these aspects as crucial for business operations currently, reflecting the need for robust cybersecurity measures in the face of escalating threats.
In terms of expected features, Multi-Link Operation (MLO) was identified as the most important aspect in Wi-Fi 6E and 7, receiving 46% of votes. This reflects a clear emphasis on reducing latency and ensuring resilience in dense environments.
Rodrigues summarised the findings: “In a world where connectivity is business continuity, these results underline that Wi-Fi has become essential infrastructure for enterprises, operators, and cities alike.”
