WASHINGTON, D.C. — FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has proposed new rules to expand very low power device operations in additional spectrum in the 6 GHz band alongside other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
The FCC has, in recent years, expanded unlicensed use between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz, helping to usher in Wi-Fi 6E, set the stage for Wi-Fi 7, and support the growth of the Internet of Things.
“Opening up access to the airwaves without licenses makes it possible to innovate without permission and to develop low-power wireless technologies that change the way we live and work,” she said. “We are making more spectrum available to bolster this growing eco-system of cutting-edge applications like wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, improve healthcare outcomes, and bring new entertainment experiences.”
The proposed Report and Order would, if adopted by a vote of the Commission, permit the very low power (VLP) class of unlicensed devices to operate across 350 megahertz of spectrum in the U-NII-6 (6.425-6.525 GHz) and U-NII-8 (6.875-7.125 GHz) portions of the 6 GHz band at the same power levels and technical/operational protections as recently approved for the U-NII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) bands while protecting incumbent licensed services that operate in the 6 GHz band.
These VLP devices would have no restriction on locations where they may operate and would have no requirement to operate under the control of an automatic frequency coordination system, the Commission said on Friday. To ensure the risk of interference remains insignificant, the devices would be required to employ a contention-based protocol, implement transmit power control, and be prohibited from operating as part of a fixed outdoor infrastructure, the agency added.
“The FCC’s actions in the 6 GHz band for VLP devices provides greater flexibility while fostering unlicensed innovation,” Rosenworcel noted. “These devices operate at very low power across short distances and provide very high connection speeds, which are ideal for the types of high-data rate cutting-edge applications that will both enrich consumer experiences and bolster the nation’s economy.”
