The Federal Communications Commission stated on Wednesday that it will evaluate a proposal to enable very low power devices to operate in the 6 Gigahertz Wi-Fi spectrum at its October meeting.
The plan would make 850 megahertz of the 6 GHz band available for very low power, or VLP, operation (about two-thirds of the band’s spectrum).
That implies VLP devices might communicate with wireless networks using radio waves tuned to frequencies inside the allowable range.
The perspective is an entirely new class of connectivity designed for personal devices including – for example – XR.
The unlicensed spectrum is responsible for several developments that have made our life easier and more convenient. The 6 GHz spectrum has already enhanced the Wi-Fi that we use every day for work, school, and innovation.” Chairwoman Rosenworcel stated.
The Commission will also propose letting ultra-low power devices to operate at higher power levels, as well as implementing a geofencing approach to protect certified incumbent activity in the band.
The FCC would also welcome comment on any other actions it may take to expand the use of unlicensed devices over the whole 6 GHz band while protecting current users from harmful interference.
The commissioners will vote on the plan during the FCC’s open meeting on October 19.
