What They Are Saying: Stakeholders Applaud Tomorrow’s 6 GHz Vote

Chairman Carr Leads the Way for Wireless Innovation 

FCC to Vote on Thursday for New 6 GHz Spectrum Band Rules
   
WASHINGTON, January 28, 2026—Tomorrow, the FCC will vote on an Order to supercharge Wi-Fi and other unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band.  Specifically, the FCC will vote to create a new category of unlicensed devices— Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) devices—that can operate outdoors and at higher power than previously authorized devices.  
	
The FCC’s action on 6 GHz promises Americans more breakthrough innovations and massive consumer benefits for years to come, driving growth in wireless, IoT, and related industries.  GVP devices will support high data rates suitable for AR/VR, short-range hotspots, automation, and indoor navigation.  GVP devices will overcome limitations of previous device classes by allowing higher power and outdoor mobility.  

Chairman Carr issued the following statement:

“President Trump is unleashing American innovation and leadership.  This is great news for consumers that will benefit from even better, faster, and more affordable wireless services.  By voting this week to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band, the FCC enables consumers to benefit from supercharged Wi-Fi and a new generation of wireless devices—from AR/VR and IoT to a range of innovative smart devices.  This puts America back at the forefront of technological leadership, benefiting our consumers, economy, and innovators.”

Chairman Carr added, “I have been very pleased to see the broad support expressed for this action.”

What they are saying:

Cisco: “Chairman Carr's proposal to advance 6 GHz Wi-Fi use on cruise ships recognizes what passengers and crew have long experienced: onboard connectivity often falls short of modern expectations.  This welcome step begins the process of updating legacy rules that constrain network performance and opens the door to faster, more reliable internet at sea.  We look forward to final approval of new rules and engaging with the FCC to bring onboard networks into the modern era.” ~ Bill Davenport, Senior Director, Connectivity and Technology Policy

Citizens Against Government Waste: “CAGW supports efforts by the FCC to enhance the unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band that had been allocated during the first Trump administration.  This proceeding will increase the innovative capabilities of the band to the benefit of all users.” ~ Tom Schatz, President

Consumer Choice Center: “The FCC’s move to expand unlicensed use of the 6 GHz band by authorizing new Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) devices is exactly the kind of forward-thinking policy American consumers and innovators need.  Unlocking higher-power, outdoor use will deliver faster connectivity, stronger competition, and help to unleash even more powerful next-generation technologies.  This is a win for innovation, consumer choice, and global U.S. technological leadership.” ~ James Czerniawski, Head of Emerging Technology Policy

Consumer Technology Association: “The FCC’s vote to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band is a major win for American innovation, and we thank Chairman Carr for his leadership advancing this pro-innovation policy.  Unlicensed spectrum is the foundation for transformative technologies like Wi-Fi, and opening more of the 6 GHz band will supercharge the next wave of innovation, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and other game-changing applications.  This future-focused move puts critical spectrum into the hands of innovators, entrepreneurs, and consumers, delivering faster, more reliable wireless connectivity.  With American companies leading the world in Wi-Fi development, expanding unlicensed spectrum helps secure U.S. competitiveness and fuel continued economic growth.” ~ Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO

Digital Liberty: “The FCC will vote on intensifying unlicensed use in the 6GHz band.  This is a positive move for innovation that includes boosted signals for WiFi and stronger infrastructure for cutting-edge technology like AR/VR.” ~ James Erwin, Executive Director

Dynamic Spectrum Alliance: “The FCC’s leadership in advancing unlicensed access to the 6 GHz band has the potential to mark an extraordinary leap forward for connectivity in the United States and to continue setting a global precedent.  If the Commission moves forward with enabling GVP devices, it will unlock new capabilities for consumers, industries, and innovators.  Such action would demonstrate a clear commitment to maximizing the efficient use of the 6 GHz band, providing longterm regulatory certainty, and fostering an environment where nextgeneration technologies can flourish.  This momentum is already fueling investment, accelerating product development, and strengthening the foundation for a dynamic and competitive WiFi ecosystem.” ~ Martha Suarez, President

Foundation for American Innovation: “Chairman Brendan Carr is leading a vote to supercharge the 6 GHz band with increased power levels for unlicensed users.  This will be a huge win for consumers and American tech innovators, enabling use cases like next-gen WiFi, augmented reality, and indoor navigation that can help automate factories and improve manufacturing.  The Order would unleash all these benefits while protecting other users of the 6 GHz band through geofencing.  It's another example of the Carr FCC promoting more efficient and beneficial use of spectrum.” ~ Evan Swartztrauber, Non-Resident Senior Fellow

INCOMPAS: “This is a balanced decision by the FCC that recognizes the critical role unlicensed spectrum plays in innovation and economic growth.  By expanding utilization of 6 GHz spectrum while protecting current users, the Commission is creating a scalable, license-free connectivity foundation for next-generation devices, enterprise networks and advanced consumer applications.  The FCC’s action reinforces U.S. leadership in unlicensed mid-band spectrum and ensures Wi-Fi remains a key driver of innovation, competition, and global competitiveness.” ~ Christopher L. Shipley, Executive Vice President of Public Policy

Information Technology Industry Council: “ITI applauds the FCC’s action to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band.  By enhancing access to this critical spectrum, the Commission will enable faster, lower-latency Wi-Fi connectivity, unlock new use cases for connected devices, and safeguard America’s leadership in wireless technology innovation.” ~ Jason Oxman, President and CEO

International Center for Law and Economics: “It is great to see the FCC continue to explore new ways to make existing spectrum allocations more flexible and give businesses more opportunities to create devices and services consumers want to use.” ~ Jeffrey Westling, Senior Scholar, Innovation Policy

Meta: “We appreciate the FCC’s leadership in adopting new regulations to support American innovation.  By clearing the path for companies like ours, this decision will spur the next wave of breakthroughs in the wearables industry to keep America at the cutting edge of technology.” ~ Kevin Martin, VP, Head of Global Policy

NCTA – The Internet & Television Association: “We are encouraged by the FCC’s action to enhance usage in the 6 GHz band.  With Wi-Fi now carrying nearly 90% of mobile data, securing more unlicensed spectrum is essential to keep up with surging consumer demand, power emerging technologies, and ensure fast, reliable connections for homes, businesses, and communities nationwide.”

Wi-Fi Alliance: “The FCC’s announcement to expand unlicensed operations in the 6 GHz band is another bold step forward for connectivity, competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth.  While some regions continue to reserve 6 GHz for technologies that don’t yet exist, the U.S. is moving full speed ahead to unlock the potential of this critical spectrum.  The proposed 6 GHz Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) device category will extend WiFi performance — a crucial move to broaden the rapidly growing 6 GHz WiFi ecosystem, support next-generation use cases, and drive innovation and economic development.  I hope regulators in other countries will take note and act to enable advanced WiFi connectivity, which is urgently needed around the world.” ~ Alexander Roytblat, VP, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs 

WifiForward: “WifiForward commends the FCC for taking action to support continued unlicensed innovation in the 6 GHz band.  This will be an important win for consumers and will continue to build on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi success story that President Trump unleashed in his first term.”

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Media Contact: MediaRelations@fcc.gov / (202) 418-0500
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