FCC Expected to Expand Unlicensed Use of 6GHz Band

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says that it will soon take steps to expand the unlicensed use of certain devices in the 6 GHz band.

According to a press release issued in early January, the FCC will vote this month to create a new category for geofenced variable power (GVP) devices. GVP devices reportedly operate outdoors and at a higher power level than other currently authorized low-power devices, overcoming many of the limitations of currently available devices.

Specifically, GVP devices can better support augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, as well as short-range hotspots and automation.

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The FCC says that its planned expansion of unlicensed use for GVP devices will “enable consumers to benefit from supercharged Wi-Fi, and a new generation of wireless devices—from AR/VR and IoT to a range of innovative smart devices.”

The FCC’s press release on expanding the unlicensed use of the 6GHz band is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-417522A1.pdf.