Reactions to FCC Opening Up 6GHz Band to Wi-Fi and Other Unlicensed Uses

The Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to allow the entire 1200 MHz of the 6 GHz band to be shared with unlicensed Wi-Fi, the FCC's latest move in freeing up more spectrum for connecting 5G in-home devices — video streaming, video calls — and connecting IoT devices to the internet.

Reactions from FCC Commissioners

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA): “I commend the FCC for this historic investment in expanding unlicensed spectrum. This decision will enable countless innovations in AI, virtual and augmented reality, robotics, and use cases we can’t even imagine, for years to come. Most importantly, this spectrum will be transformational for the future of telehealth, which has become a central part of our country’s response to the coronavirus.”

WiFi Alliance: "Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a historic and visionary decision that will transform wireless connectivity for decades to come. By making 1200 megahertz of spectrum in 6 GHz available for unlicensed innovation, the Commission opened the flood gates of WiFi benefits for American consumers, enterprises and the economy. Most importantly, the FCC decision ensures that WiFi users can stay connected to colleagues and family, and to healthcare, business, education, and other critical services."

Joan Marsh, EVP of regulatory and state external affairs, AT&T: "While we support use of this band for WiFi expansion, any new use must protect incumbent services, which in this case includes tens of thousands of microwave links critical to maintaining network infrastructure. This order does not do that. By failing to require that new WiFi devices using this band include smart technology that avoids interference, the FCC’s order will allow the introduction of devices that can impair, or even knock out, links in the networks that monitor our electric grid, enable first responders to communicate and provide mobile broadband services to millions of Americans, particularly in rural areas. Even more troubling is the fact that the FCC has no plan to mitigate the interference when it inevitably occurs. Once millions of these new unlicensed devices are released and in use, it will be impracticable, if not impossible, for the FCC to identify and remove specific devices causing interference. Ultimately, it will be public safety, our nation’s critical infrastructure and consumers that will pay the price.”

Utilities Technology Council: "Opening the 6 GHz band can be done in such a way that can both unleash the new innovations the FCC and others hope for while also protecting the CII [critical infrastructure information] systems already in the band. Doing so would take time, additional study, and stronger protections for incumbent systems. Today, the FCC appears to have decided on taking a much riskier approach that does not control low-power indoor operations using AFC. Nor does the FCC order provide additional testing to prevent interference from occurring or enforcement processes to resolve interference that does occur. We will be fully engaged in the upcoming further notice of proposed rulemaking."

NAB Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton: "NAB is disappointed the FCC is allowing uncoordinated unlicensed use across the entire 6 GHz band. Unlike in other recent proceedings, the Commission did not bring stakeholders together to seek compromise. Moreover, the order represents an inexplicable departure from existing precedent. Rather than require unlicensed proponents to prove they will not cause harmful interference, the Commission shockingly forgoes any independent analysis that interference won’t be too bad or happen too often. This ‘fingers crossed’ approach is bad policy and not what is required under law. The record does not remotely justify why the full 1200 MHz in the band is needed for unlicensed use in the near or long term. The COVID-19 crisis has prompted Americans to flock to credible, lifeline local television and broadcast network news in record numbers. If today’s FCC decision is wrong, it will irreparably undermine broadcast newsgathering just as it is needed most."

Tony Werner, president of TPX, for Comcast Cable: “Today’s unanimous FCC vote will quickly benefit consumers who are using WiFi now more than ever to work and learn from home, to watch shows and to video conference, and to shop and to get their news. The Order making 1200 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum available in the 6 GHz band will dramatically improve WiFi performance and capacity, and will protect existing users of the spectrum. It is a significant step on the path to deploying next generation, gigabit WiFi services to complement our world‑class gigabit broadband networks.”

Claude Aiken, president and CEO of WISPA: "Today’s action by the FCC to unleash 1,200 MHz of unlicensed 6 GHz spectrum – including up to 850 MHz of automated frequency coordinated spectrum for standard power outdoor use – should help break the spectrum logjam that threatens our livelihoods. It should provide more fuel and space for innovators to meet growing demand and foster the next generation of innovative connectivity and services for wireless consumers."

Michael Powell, chairman of NCTA-The Internet & Television Association: “The Commission’s unanimous, bipartisan vote on 6 GHz will go a long way toward advancing the next generation of super fast WiFi connectivity while also protecting TV production operations critical to providing American consumers with high-quality programming. Traffic forecasts show that the need for additional unlicensed spectrum is urgent, and now more than ever we’re working, learning, accessing health and financial services, staying entertained and informed, and remaining connected through our WiFi networks. We thank the Commission for their tireless efforts to ensure that sufficient unlicensed spectrum is available to support growing demand for next-generation, high-speed WiFi connectivity that will serve consumers for years to come.”

Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Project at New America’s Open Technology Institute: “The FCC’s unanimous vote to open the entire 6 GHz band for unlicensed sharing will enable gigabit-fast WiFi in every home, school, and enterprise. Access to this band of frequencies will accelerate the availability and affordability of next-generation internet applications and services nationwide."

Bertram Lee, policy counsel at Public Knowledge: “We applaud the FCC for making the 6 GHz band open for unlicensed use. The FCC has looked at all of the evidence and crafted rules that protect the incumbents in the band while permitting innovation in wireless technology. Consumers will potentially see concrete benefits from these new rules as early as this holiday season, when new equipment capable of using the entire 6 GHz band enables home devices to run at gigabit speeds."