FCC Authorizes Higher-Power Wi-Fi Devices, A Win for Consumers
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to create a new category of wireless devices that can operate at higher power levels than currently allowed, a move that is expected to bring faster and more reliable Wi-Fi to consumers.
The FCC plans to authorize these "Geofenced Variable Power" (GVP) devices, which will be capable of supporting high data rates suitable for augmented reality/ virtual reality, short-range hotspots, automation, and indoor navigation. These devices will operate in the 6 GHz band and will be required to work with geofencing systems to avoid interference with fixed microwave links and radio astronomy observatories.
The move is seen as a major win for consumers, who have been advocating for increased power levels for Wi-Fi connections to peripheral devices such as AR/VR headsets. "Increasing the power levels for Wi-Fi connections to peripheral devices such as AR/VR is a big win for consumers," said Michael Calabrese of New America's Open Technology Institute.
The FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, attributed the planned action to President Trump in a press release, stating that it will allow for "better, faster Wi-Fi" and "an entirely new generation of wireless devices." The commission plans to vote on an order that expands unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, which will enable consumers to benefit from better, faster Wi-Fi.
However, not all experts are optimistic about the move. Some worry that the FCC's decision could be threatened by a law approved by Congress and Trump in July 2025, which requires the commission to auction at least 800 MHz of spectrum, some of which could come from the 6 GHz band currently allocated to Wi-Fi or the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz range.
Despite these concerns, consumer advocacy groups and industry lobby groups are welcoming the FCC's action. The cable industry has been lobbying for Wi-Fi and CBRS, putting it in opposition to the mobile industry that seeks more exclusive licenses to use airwaves. Cable industry lobby group NCTA said yesterday that it is "encouraged by the FCC's action to enhance usage in the 6 GHz band."
In a statement, Feld of Public Knowledge welcomed the FCC plan and said that more actions are needed to promote use of unlicensed spectrum. The move is seen as a major step forward for Wi-Fi technology and will likely have a significant impact on consumer demand for faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voted to create a new category of wireless devices that can operate at higher power levels than currently allowed, a move that is expected to bring faster and more reliable Wi-Fi to consumers.
The FCC plans to authorize these "Geofenced Variable Power" (GVP) devices, which will be capable of supporting high data rates suitable for augmented reality/ virtual reality, short-range hotspots, automation, and indoor navigation. These devices will operate in the 6 GHz band and will be required to work with geofencing systems to avoid interference with fixed microwave links and radio astronomy observatories.
The move is seen as a major win for consumers, who have been advocating for increased power levels for Wi-Fi connections to peripheral devices such as AR/VR headsets. "Increasing the power levels for Wi-Fi connections to peripheral devices such as AR/VR is a big win for consumers," said Michael Calabrese of New America's Open Technology Institute.
The FCC Chairman, Brendan Carr, attributed the planned action to President Trump in a press release, stating that it will allow for "better, faster Wi-Fi" and "an entirely new generation of wireless devices." The commission plans to vote on an order that expands unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, which will enable consumers to benefit from better, faster Wi-Fi.
However, not all experts are optimistic about the move. Some worry that the FCC's decision could be threatened by a law approved by Congress and Trump in July 2025, which requires the commission to auction at least 800 MHz of spectrum, some of which could come from the 6 GHz band currently allocated to Wi-Fi or the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz range.
Despite these concerns, consumer advocacy groups and industry lobby groups are welcoming the FCC's action. The cable industry has been lobbying for Wi-Fi and CBRS, putting it in opposition to the mobile industry that seeks more exclusive licenses to use airwaves. Cable industry lobby group NCTA said yesterday that it is "encouraged by the FCC's action to enhance usage in the 6 GHz band."
In a statement, Feld of Public Knowledge welcomed the FCC plan and said that more actions are needed to promote use of unlicensed spectrum. The move is seen as a major step forward for Wi-Fi technology and will likely have a significant impact on consumer demand for faster and more reliable internet connectivity.
This is great news! Faster and more reliable Wi-Fi sounds like a total game-changer for AR/VR, automation, and indoor navigation 
. I'm loving the fact that consumers are finally getting what they've been asking for - it's not fair that we had to wait so long for this move 
. I do have some concerns about the 800 MHz of spectrum auction though... what if it affects Wi-Fi availability? 
Only time will tell how things play out 
anyway its good news, faster wifi means better gaming experience for those who love it 
. I mean, it's about time we got some decent speeds for our AR/VR headsets and whatnot. The cable industry is finally getting some traction with this one, but I worry that the mobile industry might try to throw a wrench in the works. Congress just passed a law that could mess up the whole spectrum thing... 
better experience for us consumers! And, let's be real, AR/VR headsets are getting so sick right now, we need that high power level to keep up! The cable industry is killing it by pushing for Wi-Fi enhancements, meanwhile the mobile industry should chill out a bit... 
I'm loving how consumer advocacy groups & industry lobby groups are coming together on this one. It's about time we get some decent Wi-Fi coverage in our homes & public spaces! Can't wait to see what other awesome tech advancements come from this 
. But now we're talking about faster Wi-Fi and new devices that are gonna make everything run smoother 
. Oh, and I almost forgot - my cousin just got engaged last weekend and the wedding is going to be streamed online via Wi-Fi, so this is perfect timing for us 
!
. It seems like we're one step forward and then two steps back at times. Still, it's great to see some momentum on this front. The cable industry's lobbying efforts have clearly paid off here, but I'm sure there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome before these devices start hitting the market 
seems like they need some kind of system to not mess with other stuff that uses microwaves or something. 
I mean, who doesn't love a good speed boost, right? But seriously, this is a win for consumers, and I'm all about that. And let's be real, when's the last time we had to wait for Wi-Fi to load our favorite memes? 
So I was at this music festival last year and my friend's VR headset just died like, 5 seconds into the performance 
can't wait to see faster and more reliable internet for all our gadgets 
This is gonna be a game-changer for gamers, VR enthusiasts, and anyone just looking for a better online experience 
indoor navigation is gonna be so convenient 
gotta give it up to the FCC for taking bold steps towards better internet connectivity 
, I can already imagine being able to connect my VR headset without any lag or dropped connections 
. Of course, there are some concerns about spectrum allocation and whatnot, but I think the benefits far outweigh the risks 
