Policyband

FCC Chairman Carr to Hold Vote Expanding Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band

'The FCC will help deliver faster, more affordable wireless services and enable a new generation of devices, from AR and VR to innovative smart technologies,' Carr said ahead of Jan. 29 Vote

Ted Hearn

Jan 8, 2026 — 9 min read

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6 GHz: FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said Wednesday his agency will vote Jan. 29 on an order to expand unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band, including the creation of a new category of higher-power devices allowed to operate outdoors. “President Trump is unleashing American innovation and leadership,” Carr said in a statement. “By voting this month to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, the FCC will help deliver faster, more affordable wireless services and enable a new generation of devices, from [Augmented Reality] and [Virtual Reality] to innovative smart technologies.” The pending order would establish so-called GVP devices, which could operate at higher power levels than currently authorized unlicensed devices and would no longer be limited to indoor use. (More after paywall.)