FCC Approves Higher-Power Wi-Fi Devices, Opening Doors for Faster Internet.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to allow a new category of wireless devices in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band to operate at higher power levels than currently permitted. The move is expected to pave the way for faster and more reliable internet connectivity, particularly in areas where existing Wi-Fi signals are weak.
Geofenced variable power (GVP) devices, which will be subject to geofencing systems to avoid interference with fixed microwave links and radio astronomy observatories, will be allowed to operate at up to 11 dBm/MHz PSD and 24 dBm EIRP. This is a significant increase from the current limits of 1-10 dBm/MHz PSD for indoor-only devices.
The new category of devices will support high data rates suitable for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), short-range hotspots, automation processes, and indoor location and navigation. They will also enable faster Wi-Fi speeds, with proponents claiming that they will provide better and faster internet connectivity than current devices.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the move, with Michael Calabrese of New America's Open Technology Institute saying that increasing power for indoor-only devices is a "big win" for consumers. Harold Feld of Public Knowledge also expressed support for the plan, stating that more actions are needed to promote use of unlicensed spectrum.
However, there are still concerns about the potential impact on Wi-Fi's use of the 6 GHz band. The FCC has allocated spectrum from this band to wireless carriers, and there is a risk that some frequencies could be taken away if the carriers decide to auction them off. Calabrese says that reallocation of Wi-Fi frequencies seems less likely now, after statements from the Trump administration claiming that 6 GHz Wi-Fi is a key accomplishment.
Industry groups have been lobbying for more unlicensed spectrum, with the cable industry praising the FCC's action as essential for securing fast and reliable connections for homes, businesses, and communities nationwide.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to allow a new category of wireless devices in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band to operate at higher power levels than currently permitted. The move is expected to pave the way for faster and more reliable internet connectivity, particularly in areas where existing Wi-Fi signals are weak.
Geofenced variable power (GVP) devices, which will be subject to geofencing systems to avoid interference with fixed microwave links and radio astronomy observatories, will be allowed to operate at up to 11 dBm/MHz PSD and 24 dBm EIRP. This is a significant increase from the current limits of 1-10 dBm/MHz PSD for indoor-only devices.
The new category of devices will support high data rates suitable for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), short-range hotspots, automation processes, and indoor location and navigation. They will also enable faster Wi-Fi speeds, with proponents claiming that they will provide better and faster internet connectivity than current devices.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the move, with Michael Calabrese of New America's Open Technology Institute saying that increasing power for indoor-only devices is a "big win" for consumers. Harold Feld of Public Knowledge also expressed support for the plan, stating that more actions are needed to promote use of unlicensed spectrum.
However, there are still concerns about the potential impact on Wi-Fi's use of the 6 GHz band. The FCC has allocated spectrum from this band to wireless carriers, and there is a risk that some frequencies could be taken away if the carriers decide to auction them off. Calabrese says that reallocation of Wi-Fi frequencies seems less likely now, after statements from the Trump administration claiming that 6 GHz Wi-Fi is a key accomplishment.
Industry groups have been lobbying for more unlicensed spectrum, with the cable industry praising the FCC's action as essential for securing fast and reliable connections for homes, businesses, and communities nationwide.
This is awesome news! Faster internet means better streaming, online gaming, and overall connectivity 
I'm so stoked that consumer groups are supporting this move - it's a big win for people like me who can't get a decent signal in some areas of the city 
. But I do hope those carriers don't try to auction off too much spectrum 
. We need more unlicensed frequencies to keep up with all our online demands, you feel? 
The cable industry is all about this, and for good reason - fast Wi-Fi can bring communities together in so many ways 
. Can't wait to see what kind of innovation comes out of this new category of devices 
!
. I'm all for it, more power = more data, right? 
Got my eyes on those new AR tech gadgets, can't wait to try them out 
. But what about the carriers though? 
Do they really have our backs or just gonna swoop in and take our spectrum? 
Not sure about this one yet, but overall I'm pretty stoked 
this is like, soooo exciting!!! 
they're finally going to make Wi-Fi faster and better 
I mean, think about it, no more buffering or lagging on our favorite shows 
or games 
the cable industry is totally right, this is essential for everyone 
especially now that AR and VR are becoming a thing 
I'm talking about faster speeds for indoor hotspots too 
my neighbor's been complaining about their Wi-Fi not being strong enough for his gaming setup 
! Can't we just focus on the tech news instead of speculating about spectrum allocation? Anyway, back to this FCC thing... I guess it's a big deal that they're allowing higher-power Wi-Fi devices. It means faster internet speeds for people in weak signal areas, which is awesome 
Just heard about the FCC approving higher-power Wi-Fi devices and I'm super hyped 
. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and fast hotspots are all gonna get a major upgrade 
. I'm also stoked to see consumer groups like Public Knowledge supporting this move, as they're all about making sure we have access to the best technology possible 
!
I mean, imagine being able to have an immersive gaming experience or watch a 4K movie without any lag. It's gonna be amazing!
So overall, I'm super optimistic about where this is gonna take us. Bring it on! 
this is so cool! Faster internet is like, so needed right now 
but it's always spotty 
. And what about those radio astronomy observatories? are we really just gonna ignore their needs for once? 
.
vs 
11 dBm/MHz PSD is a big deal, I guess it means we won't have to wait as long for our buffering to finish loading while watching that one episode of that new show on Netflix 
but, like, isn't there still some worry about the carriers taking away spectrum from wi-fi? 
. but at the same time, there are some concerns about carriers taking away spectrum from us... like, what if they do? 
also, is this gonna mean more interference with fixed microwaves and astronomy observatories? 
that's a bummer if it happens... 
. On a positive note, more unlicensed spectrum means more innovation and possibilities for devices like smart home automation and indoor location tracking 
It's gonna be a game-changer for those living in areas with weak signals, especially rural communities that need it most 
.
️, but I'm still keeping an eye on how this all plays out. Will the carriers really stick to their promise not to re-allocate frequencies? Time will tell 
. One thing's for sure, though – it's gonna be interesting to see these new GVP devices in action! 
. Fingers crossed the carriers will use it wisely and not take away our newfound Wi-Fi happiness 
.