Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes Next Step for 6 GHz Band Operations

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed new rules to allow very low-power devices to operate in the 6 gigahertz (GHz) band alongside other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. These rules, if adopted at the FCC's October Open Meeting, will spur an eco-system of cutting-edge applications, including augmented and virtual reality, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, advance healthcare opportunities, and bring new entertainment experiences. The 6 GHz band is an important haven for next generation Wi-Fi operations. The proposal circulated to the FCC commissioners includes new rules, would take further comment, and issues a clarifying order. The rules, or Report and Order, would authorize very low-power (VLP) operations in the Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII)-5 and U-NII-7 portions of the 6 GHz band totaling 850 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum. Operations at power levels up to -5 decibel-milliwatts(dBm)/MHz could occur anywhere, indoors or outdoors, without any need for a frequency coordination system.