The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says that it will soon take steps to expand the unlicensed use of certain devices in the 6 GHz band.
According to a press release issued in early January, the FCC will vote this month to create a new category for geofenced variable power (GVP) devices. GVP devices reportedly operate outdoors and at a higher power level than other currently authorized low-power devices, overcoming many of the limitations of currently available devices.
Specifically, GVP devices can better support augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, as well as short-range hotspots and automation.
The FCC says that its planned expansion of unlicensed use for GVP devices will “enable consumers to benefit from supercharged Wi-Fi, and a new generation of wireless devices—from AR/VR and IoT to a range of innovative smart devices.”
The FCC’s press release on expanding the unlicensed use of the 6GHz band is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-417522A1.pdf.
