FCC announces that 6GHz band communication will be allowed for ultra-low output devices such as AR/VR headsets

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States has approved the addition of `` Very Low Power (VLP) devices '' to wireless devices that can use the 6 GHz band (5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz). This makes it possible to use 6GHz communication with AR/VR headsets, smart glasses, and in-car connectivity systems.

FCC Permits Very Low Power Device Operations in 6 GHz Band | Federal Communications Commission
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-permits-very-low-power-device-operations-6-ghz-band

FCC greenlights superfast Wi-Fi tethering for AR and VR headsets - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/19/23923015/fcc-6ghz-approval-very-low-power-devices-apple-google-meta

In April 2020, the FCC approved rules that allow the use of the 6GHz band from 5.925 to 7.125GHz without a wireless license. This approval enables Wi-Fi 6E , which is faster and has less latency than before.

FCC approves unlicensed use of 6GHz band, enabling use of new high-speed wireless LAN standard 'Wi-Fi 6E' - GIGAZINE

However, the use of the 6GHz band without the need for a license has been released for Wi-Fi routers, smartphones, notebook PCs, etc. VLP devices with low antenna radiated energy output (EIRP) could not use the 6GHz band without a radio license.

In 2019, multiple companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Meta petitioned the FCC to allow VLP devices access to the 6GHz band. Both companies are developing AR/VR headsets, smart glasses, connectivity systems installed in cars, etc., and the fact that Wi-Fi 6E can be used on VLP devices is an extension of these VR/AR-related technologies. It is also very useful for development.

In response to these developments, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said, 'We recognized the need to further increase flexibility and encourage unlicensed innovation. ' We proposed new rules to allow communication using -NII -5 (5.925 to 6.425GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525 to 6.875GHz). This rule allows VLP devices that support 6GHz band communication to operate anywhere indoors or outdoors that is not under the control of a frequency regulation system.

'The new rules approved today will spur an ecosystem of cutting-edge applications, including wearable technology, AR and VR, to support jobs, increase learning and health care opportunities, and deliver new entertainment experiences,' the FCC said. 'I guess so.'

Kevin Martin, Meta's vice president of North American policy, told tech news site The Verge: ``Companies like ours will use new wireless technologies to create the next wave of computing.'' 'We applaud the FCC's decision to recognize this. This is a shining example of government regulators working early with industry to build for the future.'

Google Pixel also said on its official X account, ``6GHz communication is critical to the future of wireless connectivity. FCC approval is a win for Pixel users and American consumers. We thank the FCC for their leadership.'' says.

The 6 GHz band has become critical for the future of wireless connectivity. Today's vote by the FCC is a win for Pixel users and American consumers, as this band will now be available for high-speed peer-to-peer WiFi communication. We thank the FCC for its leadership.

— Google Pixel (@GooglePixel_US) October 19, 2023

In Japan, 5.925 to 6.425GHz is defined as the 6GHz band, and it will be approved in September 2022. Additionally, only VLP devices with an EIRP of 25mW or less can be used outdoors.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Radio Wave Usage Homepage | Others | About outdoor use of wireless LAN
https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/sys/others/wlan_outdoor/