If you’ve ever struggled with your Wi-Fi dropping out just a few rooms away, Morse Micro’s latest demonstration might sound like something from a tech fantasy. The company recently achieved nearly 10 miles (15.9 kilometers) of Wi-Fi range using the 802.11ah standard, also called HaLow, which operates on low-frequency radio bands designed specifically for long-range, low-power applications. Though HaLow is compatible with certain consumer devices, Morse Micro’s impressive achievement required a mix of optimized access points and proprietary technology to reach such a staggering distance.
Testing began in the busy city of San Francisco, where Morse Micro’s system held a stable video connection at a distance of 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers). Yet, to test the true range of HaLow under ideal conditions, Morse Micro’s team journeyed to Joshua Tree National Park. In this remote desert setting, they set up one access point and drove across the valley to see how far they could extend the connection. Free from urban interference and with an optimal line-of-sight, they achieved a record-breaking stable connection at just under 10 miles.
While the connection speed was only about 2 megabits per second—not sufficient for data-intensive activities like streaming HD videos—it’s more than adequate for essential tasks such as email and voice calls. This kind of long-range connectivity could be revolutionary in rural and remote settings, enabling residents and businesses to share internet access across large properties and bridging connectivity gaps for applications like agricultural monitoring, resort internet, or even emergency communications.
Morse Micro’s work represents a significant milestone in expanding Wi-Fi’s reach. With further development, such solutions may open new avenues for affordable, reliable connectivity in underserved areas, potentially changing how remote regions and industries stay connected in a world dominated by urban-focused networks.