Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width Standard Wide Links Standard Orange Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The Federal Communications Commission plans to authorize a new category of wireless devices in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band that will be permitted to operate at higher power levels than currently allowed. The FCC will also consider authorizing higher power levels for certain wireless devices that are only allowed to operate indoors.

The FCC said it scheduled a vote for its January 29 meeting on an order to create a new category of unlicensed devices that can operate outdoors and at higher power than previously authorized devices. These so-called Geofenced variable power (GVP) devices operating on the 6 GHz band will support high data rates suitable for ARVR, short-range hotspots, automation, and indoor navigation, and overcome limitations of previous device classes by allowing higher power and outdoor mobility, the FCC said.

They will be required to work with geofencing systems to avoid interference with fixed microwave links and radio astronomy observatories. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr attributed the FCCs planned action to President Trump in a press release titled, President Trump Unleashes American Innovation With 6 GHz Win.

Thats consistent with Carrs relatively new stance that the FCC takes orders from the president, despite his insisting during the Biden era that the FCC must operate independently from the White House. While many of Carrs regulatory decisions have been criticized by consumer advocates, the 6 GHz action is an exception.