FCC Votes to Enable Better, Faster Wi-Fi and Next-Gen Connectivity

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order to enhance unlicensed use in the 6 gigahertz (GHz) band. The FCC will create a new category of unlicensed devices—geofenced variable power devices—that can operate both indoors and outdoors at higher power than previously authorized devices. This action enables consumers to benefit from supercharged Wi-Fi and a new generation of wireless devices—from Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality and Internet of Things to a range of innovative smart devices. The Report and Order permits GVP devices to operate on an unlicensed basis in the 5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz portions of the 6 GHz band. It sets power limits for device operations and restrictions on operating in exclusion zones.