yeah, it's pretty common to refer to x^2 as exponential colloquially since there's A. an exponent B. a single term for all values (vs. quadratic, cubic, quartic...)
But you're technically correct!
But you're technically correct!
But then again, the sentence uses the term "signal strength", not "throughput", so that would suggest quadratically. But I guess "signal strength" could be meant colloquially and mean more than just the raw signal power received by the antenna, here.
It's all very fuzzy to me, as it stands.
Where is it pretty common? I have never heard that (outside of being a mistake)