ASKA/E+ via Getty Images
Update: The article was updated with a comment from Google
The Federal Communications Commission said it has opened the 6 GHz band to a new class of very low power devices (VLP), which would include advanced augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) wearable technologies and Internet of Things devices.
Alphabet’s unit Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) would be able to deploy the new set of mobile AR/VR devices, including goggles and in-car connections.
Apple, Meta and Google are all developing AR eyeglasses and may use the 6 GHz band to connect with a smartphone, for example.
“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,” Google said in a post on X, previously known as Twitter.
The FCC opened the 6 GHz band to the new class of VLP devices which will operate alongside other WiFi-enabled devices.
However, the FCC noted that, the new rules would limit these devices to very low power levels and subject them to technical and operational requirements which will allow these devices to operate in the U.S. while protecting incumbent licensed services that operate in the 6 GHz band.
“The rules will spur an eco-system of cutting-edge applications, including wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality, that will help businesses, enhance learning opportunities, advance healthcare opportunities, and bring new entertainment experiences,” the FCC said in a press release on Thursday.
The new rules authorize VLP operations in the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 portions of the 6 GHz band totaling 850 megahertz of spectrum. Operations at power levels lower than other unlicensed 6 GHz devices could occur anywhere, indoors or outdoors, without any need for a frequency coordination system, according to the FCC.
The Commission also proposed expanding operation of these VLP unlicensed devices to the remainder of the 6 GHz band and allowing VLP devices more operational flexibility through higher power levels subject to a geofencing system.