US: FCC proposes making 1.2 GHz in the 6 GHz band available for unlicenced use

In the US, the Federal Communications Commission, has proposed to make up to 1,200 MHz of spectrum available for use by unlicenced devices in the 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz).

The FCC’s proposed rules in this regard are designed to allow unlicenced devices to operate in this band without interfering with licenced services. In those portions of the band (5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz) that are heavily used by point-to-point microwave links, the FCC proposes the use of an automated frequency coordination system to allow unlicenced devices to operate. In the other portions of the band (6.425-6.525 GHz and 6.875-7.125 GHz) where licensed mobile services, such as the Broadcast Auxiliary Service and Cable Television Relay Service, operate, the unlicensed devices would be restricted to indoor operations at lower power.

In a statement, FCC chairman Ajit Pai said: “And in the last three decades, unlicensed devices have proliferated (as have Batman movies). From Wi-Fi routers to connected home appliances to retro cordless phones for those of us who still have landlines, we use devices that connect via unlicensed spectrum every day. Indeed, they’ve become so popular that there is now a shortage of airwaves dedicated for their use. So today, we address this problem by proposing to open up 1,200 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for different types of unlicensed uses. And we seek to do so in a way that will protect incumbent licensed operations in the band.”