The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today enjoyed unanimous passage of an uncontroversial order to authorize a new “supercharged” class of Wi-Fi and other unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band.
The order raises the power of transmission in the band above other unlicensed transmission using Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) technology. Next-generation unlicensed devices will use GPS to sense the location of other nearby transmissions and adjust power accordingly to avoid interference.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr praised former Chairman Ajit Pai for responding to growing demand for unlicensed devices and backing an order to open 1200 MHz of 6 GHz spectrum in 2020.
“Today, we build on that foundation and offer more flexibility to support future innovations in the six gigahertz band, everything from compelling AR VR applications to short range, hot spots and much more, our consumers, our economy and our innovators will all be better off for today’s decision,” Carr said during the Commission’s meeting yesterday.
Carr said he was impressed by the next generation of Wi-Fi 8 devices he witnessed at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Some of those devices could be available to consumers this year. “This next generation of Wi-Fi will offer blazing fast speeds, massive capacity, and better power efficiency. This is a big deal,” he said.
Commissioner Anna Gomez said that authorizing the use of GVP is an example of good spectrum policy. “Our decision today sends a message beyond our borders about the United States commitment to next generation Wi Fi operations, and we hope to set an example for the world,” she said.
In the same 3-0 vote, the FCC also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to refine the way unlicensed devices measure indoor signals and to allow 6 GHz access points on cruise ships.
The order and further notice “move us closer to our shared goal of universal connectivity, ensuring that advanced wireless capabilities are able to support innovation and connect Americans wherever they live, work or travel,” said Commissioner Olivia Trusty.
Before the meeting, Carr released a sheet of unlicensed internet stakeholders supporting the order, which includes high-tech companies Cisco and Meta, as well as several industry associations.
“I hope regulators in other countries will take note and act to enable advanced Wi-Fi connectivity, which is urgently needed around the world,” said one of the executives on the sheet, Alexander Roytblat, VP, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs for the Wi-Fi Alliance.
