The FCC has unanimously approved a proposed method of tethering wireless devices over the 6GHz band. While the agency had already opened up 1,200MHz of the 6GHz spectrum for Wi-Fi and client device usage, the new approval extends usage of the band for other devices. The original proposal limited usage to “very low power” operations, though the FCC’s approval allows devices to “use higher power levels,” so long as they are geofenced to prevent any interference.
New distance record indicates 6G is getting closer to real-world feasibility
The ruling comes after big name tech companies such as Apple and Microsoft petitioned the FCC for 6GHz access. The approval means tech companies have more wireless headroom for connecting devices, most notably AR devices that are being developed by nearly all major technology companies. In a comment to The Verge, Meta VP of North American policy Kevin Martin said, “We commend the FCC’s decision allowing companies like ours to use new wireless technologies to build the next wave of computing. This is a shining example of a government regulator working with industry early to build for the future.”
