What is the FCC's new plan for Wi-Fi?

The FCC will authorize a new category of unlicensed wireless devices to operate at higher power levels in the 6 GHz band, including for outdoor use.

How will the FCC's 6 GHz decision benefit consumers?

Consumers can expect better and faster Wi-Fi, along with support for a new generation of wireless devices like AR/VR and IoT.

What are Geofenced variable power (GVP) devices?

GVP devices are new unlicensed devices operating on the 6 GHz band at higher power, using geofencing to avoid interference and enable outdoor use.

Home / Technology / FCC Boosts Wi-Fi Power for Faster Wireless

FCC Boosts Wi-Fi Power for Faster Wireless

9 Jan

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Summary

New Wi-Fi devices will operate outdoors at higher power.
Geofenced devices support AR/VR and emerging tech.
FCC action aims to improve consumer Wi-Fi speeds.

FCC Boosts Wi-Fi Power for Faster Wireless

The Federal Communications Commission is set to approve a new class of unlicensed devices capable of operating at increased power levels within the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. These Geofenced variable power (GVP) devices are designed for outdoor use, supporting high data rates crucial for augmented and virtual reality, short-range hotspots, and automation.

These GVP devices are expected to overcome limitations of current indoor-only or very low-power devices. By utilizing geofencing technology, they will avoid interference with existing microwave links and radio astronomy observatories, ensuring compatibility while enhancing performance for consumers. This initiative is anticipated to deliver faster and more robust Wi-Fi connections nationwide.

This FCC decision has been lauded by consumer advocates, who have long advocated for such improvements. While the 6 GHz band was allocated to Wi-Fi in April 2020, potential future spectrum auctions could impact its availability. However, recent developments suggest that the 6 GHz band is now less vulnerable to reallocation than other spectrum resources.