The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is opening the entire 6 GHz band to very low power (VLP) devices.
This decision extends the use of the 1,200 megahertz band to support an array of unlicensed and Wi-Fi-enabled devices, a change welcomed by the tech industry for its potential to revolutionise various high-tech applications.
The expansion of the 6 GHz band is set to bolster an ecosystem of technologies, including wearable devices, augmented reality, and virtual reality. These innovations promise to transform sectors such as education, healthcare, and entertainment by “enhancing learning opportunities,” “improving healthcare outcomes,” and providing “new entertainment experiences.”
In recent history, the FCC has been a key driver in increasing unlicensed use between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz. Their efforts have facilitated the rollout of Wi-Fi 6E, laid the groundwork for the upcoming Wi-Fi 7, and supported the burgeoning network of the IoT. This latest development marks another step towards unlocking the full potential of the 6 GHz band.
The newly adopted Report and Order permits VLP devices to operate across 350 megahertz of spectrum within the U-NII-6 (6.425-6.525 GHz) and U-NII-8 (6.875-7.125 GHz) segments of the 6 GHz band. These operations will maintain the same power levels and technical protections already approved for the U-NII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) bands. A critical aspect of these rules is safeguarding incumbent services that currently use this spectrum.
Importantly, the FCC’s rules allow VLP devices to function without geographical restrictions or the necessity of operating under an automatic frequency coordination system.
To minimise interference risks, these devices must utilise a contention-based protocol and incorporate transmit power control. Additionally, their operation as part of a fixed outdoor infrastructure is prohibited.
These VLP devices operate at exceptionally low power, covering short distances but delivering impressive connection speeds. This capability is especially beneficial for high-data-rate applications that not only enrich user experiences but also contribute positively to the broader economy.
The FCC’s extension of the 6 GHz spectrum is anticipated to spur substantial innovation by providing greater capacity for emerging technologies. It opens the door for the further development of AR and VR, in-car connectivity, wearable on-body tech, healthcare monitoring, short-range mobile hotspots, high-precision location and navigation services, automation, and more.
Through these actions, the FCC aims to enhance consumer experiences and bolster economic growth. This regulatory flexibility is critical for fostering an environment where new technological applications can flourish, driving both innovation and development across various sectors.
(Photo by Virginia Johnson)
See also: Mavenir and Terrestar achieve live satellite NB-IoT sessions
Want to learn about the IoT from industry leaders? Check out IoT Tech Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Cyber Security & Cloud Expo, AI & Big Data Expo, Intelligent Automation Conference, Edge Computing Expo, and Digital Transformation Week.
Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.
