FCC Expands 6 GHz Band For Very Low Power Devices Despite Opposition

As the network of connected devices becomes denser, from the Internet of Things to connected vehicles, changes to accommodate the growth is inevitable. This would affect the normal operations of the traditional network media, such as radio and television stations, making way for Wi-Fi enables devices.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calls the move necessary “to reflect current application processing requirements, clarify and harmonize provisions, and remove references to outdated procedures and legacy filing systems.” The FCC recently passed a new rule that aligns bandwidths in favor of emerging networked technologies, including wearables, virtual reality, augmented reality and more.

So, what does this mean for the tech industry and the public? Let’s have a look!
 

What Did The FCC Announce?

On December 11, 2024, the FFC announced that it would expand unlicensed use of the 6-GHz band for very low power (VLP) devices. This move opens the 6.925–7.125 GHz bandwidth for an array of unlicensed and Wi-Fi-enabled devices, a move that won the FCC praise from the technology industry.

With the popular adoption of Wi-Fi 6E, this update paves the way for Wi-Fi 7 and additional support for the Internet of Things (IoT). While the FCC has been a key driver in increasing unlicensed use in 5.925 and 7.125 GHz bandwidth, this announcement means very low power or VLP devices can work in the U-NII-6 (6.425–6.525 GHz) and U-NII-8 (6.875–7.125 GHz) bands.

The advantage is that VLP device can operate with the same amount of power and safety measures as those in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 bands. However, to keep interference to a minimum, these devices must use contention-based protocols and transmit power control for short-range, high-data-rate apps.

What does this mean for current businesses?
 

How Does FCC’s Decision Impact Network Technologies?

The FCC’s new rules would allow VLP devices to function without any geographical restrictions and can forego the necessity of an automatic frequency coordination system. This means while VLP devices can't be part of outdoor infrastructure, they can be deployed anywhere and won't need the additional expense of automated frequency coordination.

The expanded bandwidth access is expected to have a major impact on new technologies and drive innovations in augmented and virtual reality, in-car connectivity, wearable healthcare devices,
short-range mobile hotspots, navigation systems and other automation technologies.

VLP devices will also help businesses in education and entertainment by making network connections faster with lower latency.
 

What Did FCC Officials Say?

Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, stated, “Today we take the effort to support unlicensed activity in the 6 GHz band even further. By opening 350 megahertz of the band to small mobile devices, we’re expanding access to unlicensed bandwidth that is prime for immersive, real-time applications.”

Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission stated, “Extending very low power device operations to the U-NII-6 and 8 bands provides the spectrum the IoT ecosystem needs to thrive while safeguarding the United States’ position as a leader in unlicensed communications.”

This bandwidth expansion comes after Big Tech leaders like Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta have pushed for availability to use the 6 GHz band without a license, as it would be an important step in making new services and apps possible.

Rosenworcel echoed this sentiment by saying, “These are the airwaves where we can develop wearable technologies and expand access to augmented and virtual reality that will provide new opportunities in education, health care and entertainment. This is the unlicensed spectrum where the future happens—and with the 6-GHz band, the United States is leading the way.”
 

Conclusion

The FCC's move is a major step towards letting more people and businesses use the unlicensed spectrum for Wi-Fi-based applications. With technical standards in place to reduce interference and misuse, it will be key to work together with all stakeholders.

On that note, it is important to note that the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has expressed concerns with FCC’s move. The lobby with 8300+ radio and Tv stations says it will increase the potential interference with fixed microwave links and satellite uplinks. However, the FCC has emphasized it has protective measures in place to mitigate these risks.

This bandwidth expansion will boost the next wave of wireless device innovation, potentially leading to new concepts in wearable technology, automation, immersive experience and other areas.

Do you think that the FCC's decision to let VLP devices use the 6 GHz band more strikes the right mix between technological innovation and protecting network services?

Let us know in the comments below!