History

In 1999, several visionary companies came together to form a global non-profit association with the goal of driving the best user experience, regardless of brand, using a new wireless networking technology. In 2000, the group adopted the term “Wi-Fi®” as the proper name for its technical work and announced its official name: Wi-Fi Alliance®.   

Our common vision of connecting everyone and everything, everywhere continues to inspire the collaboration of our members. Today, hundreds of Wi-Fi Alliance member companies from dozens of countries participate in our organization, driving new technologies and applications for Wi-Fi use and certifying thousands of Wi-Fi products each year, so that consumers know the product they purchase gives a high quality user experience.

The innovation and thought leadership of Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive new Wi-Fi applications and products that enrich the lives of users around the world. We continue to explore the possibilities of other emerging technologies, all with a relentless focus on delivering the great user experience that underpins the success and the value of Wi-Fi.

20 years of Wi-Fi timeline