FCC to Consider New Higher-Power, Outdoor Devices at 6 GigaHertz
Wi-Fi supporters were pleased with the announcement.
Wi-Fi supporters were pleased with the announcement.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2026 – The Federal Communications Commission will vote this month on creating a new category of higher-power, outdoor devices in the 6 GigaHertz (GHz) band, the agency announced Wednesday.
The agency said geofenced variable power (GVP) devices would “support high data rates suitable for AR/VR, short-range hotspots, automation, and indoor navigation” and “overcome limitations of previous device classes by allowing higher power and outdoor mobility.”
GVP devices would be restricted from operating on certain frequencies in exclusion zones to protect incumbent users in the unlicensed band.
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