The Federal Communications Commission has adopted a landmark Order to expand unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band, paving the way for faster Wi-Fi, new wireless devices, and long-term innovation across the U.S. technology ecosystem. The decision creates a new category of unlicensed devices, known as Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) devices, that can operate both indoors and outdoors at higher power levels than previously authorized.
The FCC will vote on the Order this week, marking a major shift in spectrum policy designed to unlock the full potential of the 6 GHz band while protecting incumbent licensed services from harmful interference.
What Are GVP Devices and Why They Matter
GVP devices represent a significant evolution beyond existing 6 GHz unlicensed device classes such as Low Power Indoor (LPI) and Very Low Power (VLP) devices. Unlike LPI devices, which are restricted to indoor use, GVP devices can operate outdoors. They also deliver substantially higher power than VLP devices, enabling stronger signals, greater range, and enhanced mobility.
These capabilities make GVP devices well suited for high-data-rate applications, including augmented reality, virtual reality, short-range hotspots, industrial automation, and indoor navigation. By allowing higher power while using geofencing and exclusion zones to protect licensed users, the FCC aims to balance innovation with spectrum integrity.
Driving Innovation Across Wireless and IoT Markets
Industry stakeholders expect the FCC’s action to accelerate growth across wireless, Internet of Things, and related sectors. With Wi-Fi carrying nearly 90 percent of mobile data traffic, expanding unlicensed access in the 6 GHz band is viewed as critical to meeting rising consumer demand and supporting next-generation technologies.
The FCC’s move is expected to deliver faster, more reliable, and more affordable wireless connectivity, while also encouraging investment, product development, and competition. Applications ranging from smart homes and wearables to enterprise networks and advanced manufacturing stand to benefit from the expanded capabilities enabled by GVP devices.
FCC Leadership and Policy Direction
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the decision reinforces U.S. leadership in wireless innovation and spectrum policy.
By expanding unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, the FCC is enabling supercharged Wi-Fi and a new generation of wireless devices that can power AR, VR, IoT, and other innovative smart technologies. According to the Chairman, the action benefits consumers, strengthens the economy, and supports innovators by putting more spectrum to work efficiently.
Chairman Carr also noted the broad support the proposal has received across the technology, consumer, and policy landscape.
Broad Industry Support
The FCC’s decision has drawn strong backing from technology companies, trade groups, and public interest organizations. Cisco highlighted the potential for improved connectivity in challenging environments such as cruise ships, where legacy rules have limited network performance. The Consumer Technology Association called the move a major win for American innovation, emphasizing the role of unlicensed spectrum in powering Wi-Fi, AR, and VR.
Other supporters, including Meta, INCOMPAS, the Wi-Fi Alliance, and the Information Technology Industry Council, said expanding unlicensed access in the 6 GHz band will unlock new use cases, reduce latency, and reinforce U.S. competitiveness in wireless technology. Policy groups such as the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance and the International Center for Law and Economics described the decision as a forward-looking approach that maximizes efficient spectrum use while providing regulatory certainty.
Protecting Incumbent Services
To safeguard existing licensed operations, GVP devices will be restricted from operating in designated exclusion zones on certain frequencies. This geofencing approach is designed to minimize the risk of harmful interference while still allowing higher power and outdoor mobility for unlicensed users.
By combining technical safeguards with expanded operating rights, the FCC aims to ensure that innovation in the 6 GHz band can proceed without compromising critical incumbent services.
Long-Term Impact
The FCC’s action on the 6 GHz band is expected to deliver lasting consumer and economic benefits, positioning the United States at the forefront of next-generation Wi-Fi and wireless innovation. As GVP devices enter the market, they are likely to play a central role in shaping the future of connectivity, smart devices, and immersive digital experiences for years to come.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH
