OTI Applauds FCC for Opening 6 GHz Band To Support Next-Generation Wi-Fi

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt an Order that will open a very large new band of unlicensed spectrum to enable gigabit-fast, next generation Wi-Fi networks. The Order will make 1200 MHz of spectrum across the entire 6 GHz band available for indoor-only, low-power use. A large portion of the band (850 MHz) will also be available for higher-power and outdoor use, including for wireless internet access service in rural and small town areas, subject to coordination by an automated frequency control system.

The FCC’s Order allowing shared public use of this band for Wi-Fi and other unlicensed technologies will support a host of next-generation services for consumers. The rapidly growing use of connected devices at increasing speeds and for new use cases connected to the Internet of Things makes this unprecedented increase in unlicensed spectrum critical for the next generation of Wi-Fi and the affordable, gigabit-fast connectivity it enables everywhere across the country.

OTI submitted comments and reply comments with coalition stakeholders in this proceeding supporting this outcome.

The following statement can be attributed to Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Project at New America’s Open Technology Institute:

“The FCC’s unanimous vote to open the entire 6 GHz band for unlicensed sharing will enable gigabit-fast Wi-Fi in every home, school, and enterprise. Access to this band of frequencies will accelerate the availability and affordability of next-generation internet applications and services nationwide.

“Even the fastest fiber broadband internet service is useless for consumers without the Wi-Fi spectrum needed to connect all of our laptops, tablets, smartphones and future smart home devices. This is a massive win for consumers, who will soon be able to use next-generation Wi-Fi services to power faster speeds for everything they currently need along with new use cases we cannot even imagine yet.”