The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed a new decision to expand the range in which very low power devices can operate alongside other Wi-Fi capable devices in additional spectrum in the 6 GHz band.

Content of the decision

If the Commission adopts the report and order as proposed, very low power (VLP) unlicensed devices would be allowed 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) bands, at the same power levels and with the same technical and operational protections as the recently approved U-NII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) bands, while protecting existing licensed services operating in the 6 GHz band. These VLP devices would not be restricted in location and would not need to operate under the control of an automatic frequency coordination system. To keep interference risk low, they would be required to use contention based protocols, implement transmit power control and be prohibited from operating as part of fixed outdoor infrastructure.

The FCC's action on VLP devices in the 6 GHz band provides greater flexibility while promoting wireless licensing innovation. These devices operate at very low power over short distances and deliver very high connection speeds, making them ideal for high data rate cutting edge applications that enrich consumer experience and support national economic growth.