FCC Votes to Enable Better, Faster Wi-Fi and Next-Gen Connectivity
Expands Unlicensed Operations in the 6 GHz Band to Empower Innovative GVP Devices 
   
WASHINGTON, January 29, 2026—Today, the Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order to enhance unlicensed use in the 6 GHz band.  The FCC will create a new category of unlicensed devices— geofenced variable power (GVP) devices—that can operate both indoors and outdoors at higher power than previously authorized devices.  This action 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.  
	
With industry expectations of growth in wireless, IoT, and related industries resulting from this action, this will drive innovations and massive consumer benefits for years to come.  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.  

GVP devices promise to overcome technical and regulatory constraints of other 6 GHz band low power devices such as low power indoor (LPI) and very low power (VLP) devices.  GVP devices need not be restricted indoors, as is the case with LPI and they operate at significantly higher power than VLP devices.  These benefits will be made possible by restricting GVP devices from operating in exclusion zones on certain frequencies to protect incumbent licensed services from a significant risk of harmful interference. 

Today’s Report and Order permits GVP devices to operate on an unlicensed basis in the U-NII-5 (5.925-6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525-6.875 GHz) portions of the 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz).  It sets power limits for device operations and restrictions from operating in exclusion zones.

The Commission is also seeking comment on proposals that could provide more utility for unlicensed devices in the 6 GHz band, including allowing composite standard-power and LPI access points to operate with additional power under certain circumstances and permitting LPI access points to operate on cruise ships. 

Action by the Commission January 29, 2026 by Fourth Report and Order and Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-1).  Chairman Carr, Commissioners Gomez and Trusty approving.  Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty issuing separate statements.

ET Docket No. 18-295

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