Several key trends in the Wi-Fi landscape are emerging, promising to transform the way we connect and unlocking new market opportunities. This article delves into these trends and how technology can be pivotal in capitalizing on them.
1. An expanding Wi-Fi chipset market
The expansion of the global Wi-Fi chipset market is a clear indicator of the increasing demand for wireless connectivity. Having reached $20.5 billion in 2024, this market is projected to reach $26.5 billion by 2033, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.74% during the period 2025-2033 (Source: GlobeNewswire).
This growth is attributed to several interconnected factors:
- The relentless adoption of smartphones and smart devices: The global penetration of mobile phones and smart home devices continues to rise, generating a constant demand for Wi-Fi access points and chipsets.
- The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT): An increasing number of devices, from household appliances to industrial sensors, are connecting to the network, requiring robust Wi-Fi infrastructures.
- The demand for high speed and technological advancements: Users are demanding increasingly faster connections, driving the adoption of the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and 7).
- Voice over Mobile Broadband (VoMBB): The increasing preference for VoMBB also catalyzes the demand for Wi-Fi services.
2. The push for Smart Cities and public Wi-Fi
Governments worldwide are recognizing the fundamental role of Wi-Fi in the development of smart cities, deploying public Wi-Fi networks to support various services such as education and healthcare.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the public Wi-Fi market is expected to experience spectacular growth. With an estimated 950 million units in 2025, it is projected to reach 3.15 billion units by 2030, representing an impressive CAGR of 27.03% during this forecast period.
3. The sustained growth of enterprise and mobile Wi-Fi
Beyond the public sphere, Wi-Fi remains vital for the enterprise sector. Skyquest states that the global enterprise WLAN market, valued at $11.05 billion in 2023, is projected to grow from $13.66 billion in 2024 to an impressive $74.39 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 23.6% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Similarly, the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot market is on the rise. It is projected to reach US$60.3 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.2% between 2025 and 2033. This growth is driven by:
- The increasing demand for robust internet connectivity.
- The proliferation of mobile devices and IoT devices.
- Government initiatives to bridge the digital divide.
- Technological advancements in Wi-Fi and mobile technologies.
- Convergence of Wi-Fi and 5G networks.
Future mobile Wi-Fi hotspots will be characterized by:
- Advanced connectivity: Supporting the latest Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E) and mobile technologies (5G).
- Enhanced security: Robust security features to protect user data and privacy.
- Intuitive interface: Simplified setup and management for easy use.
- Long-lasting battery: For extended use without interruptions.
- Compact and portable: Sleek and lightweight design for easy travel and convenience.
The Asia Pacific region is projected to hold the largest market share for mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, followed by North America with significant growth, and the Middle East and Africa showing a steady growth rate.
4. The Wi-Fi 7 revolution: speed, reliability, and differentiated services
Wi-Fi 7 is one of the most exciting developments on the horizon. Considered the first “carrier-grade” Wi-Fi technology, Wi-Fi 7 stands out for its ability to leverage all three spectrum bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) simultaneously to dramatically improve bandwidth and whole-home performance.
This provides operators with additional flexibility and allows them to better ensure that the gigabit or multi-gigabit service they advertise is consistently delivered.
Beyond speed, Wi-Fi 7 opens the door to offering differentiated services. Service providers are looking to offer functionalities like Wi-Fi management and additional security features enabled by Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi is rapidly becoming part of the “ubiquitous framework” that defines 6G, especially for indoor environments.
Although the availability of the 6 GHz spectrum varies globally (currently 13 countries have adopted the full range, with another 50 allocating a portion), Wi-Fi 7 still offers significant benefits in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, improving speed, capacity, and efficiency in congested environments, even without full access to 6 GHz.
However, some of its most compelling features and use cases, such as augmented, virtual, and extended reality (AR/VR/XR), ultra-high-definition video streaming, and industrial IoT, depend on the ability to access the 6 GHz band.
5. OpenRoaming: towards frictionless connectivity
To achieve truly ubiquitous Wi-Fi coverage, integration must be secure and seamless. This is where OpenRoaming comes into play.
Based on a set of standards and guidelines developed by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) and the Wi-Fi Alliance, OpenRoaming allows users to join any network managed by any provider within the established federation of trusted providers, enabling a seamless connection.
It allows a device to connect automatically, securely, and without entering passwords to any participating Wi-Fi hotspot, similar to how we currently roam on mobile networks.
6. Capitalizing on these trends with Galgus’ innovative technology
The described trends paint a future where Wi-Fi networks are denser, support a greater number of devices, and form the foundation for value-added services. To thrive in this environment, advanced technological solutions are required.
A technology like Galgus’, with its AI-powered network performance optimization, efficient spectrum management, enhanced security, and provision of reliable connectivity, is perfectly positioned to capitalize on these trends.
Their focus on distributed network intelligence and adaptability allows them to address the challenges of modern Wi-Fi environments, from smart cities to enterprise networks and mobile hotspots.
By offering tools to proactively manage traffic, ensure superior quality of service, and protect infrastructure, Galgus can help operators, businesses, and service providers maximize the potential of the growing markets driven by Wi-Fi 6, 6E, 7, and the increasing demand for connectivity.
Indeed, the years 2025 to 2027 promise to witness a significant transformation in the Wi-Fi landscape. The growth of the chipset, public Wi-Fi, enterprise WLAN, and mobile hotspot markets, driven by the proliferation of devices and the demand for high speed and reliability, creates fertile ground for innovation.
The arrival of Wi-Fi 7 and the adoption of approaches like OpenRoaming are key steps towards a future of faster, more reliable, and seamless connectivity. Adapting to these trends with cutting-edge technology will be essential for success in this exciting era of Wi-Fi.
