Wi-Fi 6 Drives Growth in APAC's Digital Economy

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing a surge in high-speed internet demand due to mobile devices, smart homes, and IoT, with Wi-Fi 6 expected to surpass 80 percent market share by 2025.

FREMONT, CA: The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is witnessing a significant increase in the demand for high-speed, reliable internet connectivity. This surge is primarily driven by the rapid proliferation of mobile devices, smart homes, and the Internet of Things (IoT). To address this growing need, Wi-Fi 6, the latest wireless standard, is swiftly gaining momentum across the region and is poised to revolutionize connectivity infrastructure.

Current Adoption Status

The adoption of Wi-Fi 6 in the region is experiencing notable acceleration and is poised to exceed an 80 percent market share by 2025. Countries are at the forefront of this momentum, driven by proactive government initiatives and robust smartphone penetration. Key industry players are making substantial investments in developing and enhancing Wi-Fi 6 technology and infrastructure, contributing significantly to the region's evolving connectivity landscape.

Benefits of Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi 6 presents a significant advancement in wireless technology, notably improving various vital aspects. Regarding speed, Wi-Fi 6 outpaces its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5, by up to four times, facilitating seamless streaming, lag-free gaming, and expedited downloads. Furthermore, the incorporation of Target Wake Time (TWT) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technologies enhances the network's capacity to accommodate multiple connected devices simultaneously, thereby optimizing performance in high-density environments. The new standard also emphasizes improved power efficiency, contributing to extended battery life for devices and ensuring prolonged connectivity on a single charge. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 demonstrates reduced latency, minimizes delays, and fosters a more responsive user experience, which is particularly beneficial for real-time applications such as video conferencing and augmented/virtual reality.

The potential for Wi-Fi 6 in the APAC region is particularly significant, driven by specific factors. In densely populated urban areas, the capacity enhancements offered by Wi-Fi 6 play a pivotal role in effectively managing the high concentrations of users. Additionally, the growing adoption of smart city initiatives in APAC underscores the importance of Wi-Fi 6's reliability and speed, essential components for the success of these technological advancements. Furthermore, the flourishing digital economy in the region, driven by e-commerce and online gaming, necessitates a robust and fast wireless infrastructure, a demand effectively met by the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6. In essence, Wi-Fi 6 emerges as a crucial enabler for addressing the evolving connectivity needs in APAC, catering to the demands of densely populated urban environments, smart city initiatives, and the thriving digital economy.

Wi-Fi 6E, an extension of Wi-Fi 6 operating in the 6 GHz band, is witnessing increased adoption in the region, providing enhanced speed and broader channel capabilities. Regulatory authorities in crucial APAC countries are actively deliberating the allocation of the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6E usage. This regulatory consideration reflects the growing recognition of the potential benefits of Wi-Fi 6E technology. Notably, significant telecommunications operators in the region are proactively rolling out Wi-Fi 6 and 6E networks, facilitating widespread accessibility and utilization of these advanced wireless technologies among consumers. This trend underscores the evolving landscape of wireless connectivity in the APAC region.