Unregulated 6-GHz Spectrum Now Available for Minimal Power Devices Utilization

Federal Communications Commission Expands Unlicensed Spectrum in the 6-GHz Band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously adopted new rules to expand very-low-power device operations across all 1,200 megahertz of the 6-GHz band. This move is expected to facilitate the development of wearable technologies, expand access to augmented and virtual reality, and provide new opportunities in education, health care, and entertainment.

The new rules permit very-low-power devices to operate across 350 MHz of spectrum in the U-NII-6 (6.425-6.525 GHz) and U-NII-8 (6.875-7.125 GHz) portions of the 6 GHz band. The devices will employ a contention-based protocol and implement transmit power control to ensure they can operate alongside other unlicensed and Wi-Fi-enabled devices in the band.

The new 1,200 megahertz of unlicensed bandwidth offers a mix of high capacity and low latency, making it ideal for immersive, real-time applications. The very-low-power devices will not be restricted in their operating locations, allowing for greater flexibility in their deployment.

The devices are prohibited from operating as part of a fixed outdoor infrastructure. This is to protect incumbent licensed services that also operate in the band, such as fixed microwave links, satellite uplinks, and broadcast auxiliary services. The National Association of Broadcasters and other parties have opposed the expansion, arguing it could create problems for these services. However, in a November letter to the FCC, the NAB stated they have no objection to sharing spectrum with unlicensed operations if it does not cause harmful interference, but the record in this proceeding does not support that conclusion.

Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated that the FCC's efforts to provide unlicensed spectrum have already produced enormous economic benefits, with Wi-Fi alone forecasted to foster $769 billion in economic growth in 2024. The new rules aim to spur innovation for emerging technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, in-car connectivity, wearable on-body devices, healthcare monitoring, short-range mobile hotspots, high accuracy location and navigation, automation, and more.

The Third Report and Order (FCC 24-1125) was approved in a 5-0 Dec. 11 vote, with all commissioners approving. The order is available online. Prior to the recent vote, the FCC had already expanded unlicensed use between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz, helping to usher in Wi-Fi 6E, set the stage for Wi-Fi 7, and support the growth of the Internet of Things. The organization that has officially expressed resistance against the expansion of the use of the 6 GHz band for very low threshold devices is not mentioned in the provided search results.