- The FCC will vote this month on a proposal to allow higher-power, outdoor unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band through a new geofenced variable power (GVP) category
- Apple, Meta, Qualcomm and other tech giants say GVP could unlock better performance for AR/VR, wearables and next-gen Wi-Fi 7 use cases
- Wi-Fi and cable groups welcomed the plan, arguing expanded unlicensed spectrum is critical as Wi-Fi carries the bulk of mobile data traffic
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is getting some positive responses from the Wi-Fi community about a proposal to create a new category of unlicensed devices that can operate outdoors and at higher power than previously authorized devices in the 6 GHz band.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced Wednesday that the commission will vote this month on an order proposing to create this new category of geofenced variable power (GVP) devices.
According to the FCC, GVP devices offer data rates suitable for reality/virtual reality, short-range hotspots, automation processes and indoor location and navigation because they operate at significantly higher power than very low power (VLP) devices.
Apple, Broadcom, Meta and Qualcomm are among the companies that lobbied for changes to the 6 GHz band for GVP devices, which include wearable technologies like smartwatches and augmented reality (AR) devices that are expected to dominate the space.
Positive vibes from Wi-Fi proponents
“Increasing the power levels for Wi-Fi connections to peripheral devices such as AR/VR is a big win for consumers long advocated by the Wi-Fi community,” said Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Project at New America’s Open Technology Institute (OTI), in a statement.
NCTA, whose members include cable companies, said it’s encouraged by the FCC’s action to enhance usage in the 6 GHz band.
“With Wi-Fi now carrying nearly 90% of mobile data, securing more unlicensed spectrum is essential to keep up with surging consumer demand, power emerging technologies, and ensure fast, reliable connections for homes, businesses, and communities nationwide,” NCTA said in a statement.
Calabrese said it’s even more promising that Carr appears willing to consider increasing the power levels for indoor-only Wi-Fi use.
“It’s long been recognized that the indoor-only power limits are overly restrictive,” he said. “Without a modest increase, far too many homes, schools and small business locations will not be able to take full advantage of incredible new capabilities that next generation Wi-Fi 7 is just beginning to roll out as an enabler of gigabit-fast internet access.”
Other items on the FCC’s January 29 meeting agenda are an order establishing new foreign ownership disclosure requirements for national security purposes and a proposal to enhance the effectiveness of internet-based telecommunications relay services (TRS) that govern how people with hearing or speech disabilities can place and receive phone calls.