- The FCC is creating a new category of unlicensed gadgets: geofenced variable power (GVP) devices
- These devices will be able to operate both indoors and outdoors at higher power levels than previously authorized devices
- Wi-Fi product suppliers and advocacy groups applauded the move, saying it’s going to drive innovation in wearables and other “game-changing” applications
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is geeking out about its own geekiness.
The FCC voted today to adopt an order to enhance unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band, moving to create a new category of devices – geofenced variable power (GVP) devices – that can operate both indoors and outdoors at higher power than previously authorized devices.
According to the FCC, this action enables consumers to benefit from “supercharged” Wi-Fi and a new generation of wireless devices, from AR/VR and IoT to a range of snazzy smart devices. (Heads up: You’re going to see more than one reference to “supercharging” things here.)
Numerous tech companies and organizations applauded the FCC’s move when it was proposed earlier this month, and the FCC compiled their statements in one big press release distributed on Wednesday and redistributed today.
“We appreciate the FCC’s leadership in adopting new regulations to support American innovation. By clearing the path for companies like ours, this decision will spur the next wave of breakthroughs in the wearables industry to keep America at the cutting edge of technology,” said Kevin Martin, VP, head of Global Policy at Meta, who served as FCC chairman from 2005-2009.
“The proposed 6 GHz Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) device category will extend Wi‑Fi performance – a crucial move to broaden the rapidly growing 6 GHz Wi‑Fi ecosystem, support next-generation use cases, and drive innovation and economic development,” said Alexander Roytblat, VP, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs at the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Indeed, some of the same groups quoted in the FCC’s press release provided new statements today applauding the FCC.
“The FCC’s vote to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band is a major win for American innovation,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). “Unlicensed spectrum is the foundation for transformative technologies like Wi-Fi, and opening more of the 6 GHz band will supercharge the next wave of innovation, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and other game-changing applications.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr referenced the 6 GHz proceeding when he and Shapiro met at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas earlier this month. “We’re going to effectively be supercharging Wi-Fi,” Carr said.
Today, Carr noted all the gadgets he saw at CES, including Wi-Fi 8 routers and chips being launched as soon as this year. He then segued into the creation of “a new class of devices known as geofenced variable power devices (a name that just rolls right off the tongue). These devices can operate at higher power and – unlike previous device categories – can be used both indoors and outdoors.”
He added: “With these devices, we are finally filling an important gap left open by our previous decisions. To make it possible, we will use geofencing to protect incumbent users from interference.”
What about the CBRS band?
During a press conference after today’s open meeting, Carr was asked whether he wants to see modifications to the Citizens Band Radio Service (CBRS) band, one that has been the subject of a controversial proposal to move it.
Carr didn’t address CBRS specifically, saying they took a big step forward today in the 6 GHz band and have a “really full agenda” on spectrum. Probably the biggest focus right now at the FCC is the upper C-band, and a lot of work is taking place across the government, including the FAA issuing its own rulemaking on radio altimeters.
“C-band’s our big focus going forward, and we'll see what else we get done,” he concluded.