The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the use of the 6GHz spectrum for license-free use, paving the way for the development of Wi-Fi 6E services for consumers and industry. Wi-Fi 6 is a generational shift in wireless communications and is considered a complementary technology to 5G, increasing speeds, improving capacity, and reducing latency. The wireless industry is positioning Wi-Fi 6 as the license-free standard of choice for scanning, competing with licensed cellular networks, proprietary connectivity standards, and other technologies like Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi spectrum 6E
Wi-Fi 6E expands on and builds on the capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 through the use of high-end spectrum. So far, tests have achieved 2 Gps and a constant low latency of two milliseconds. These features make wireless suitable for business-critical applications, as well as use cases that require high data rates, such as virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR). The FCC has made 1200 MHz spectrum, currently used for microwave links, available in the United States. Low power operations will be allowed on all 6 GHz frequencies with standard power supplies limited to a bandwidth of 850 MHz. Future regulations would allow very low power devices to operate across the entire band. The additional capacity is almost six times the total capacity of the 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz bands currently allocated to Wi-Fi. Industry organizations have said the move will boost the development of the Wi-Fi 6E ecosystem, Wi-Fi Alliance to open certification of the first devices in early 2021. "By making 6 GHz available for license-free use, the FCC has secured the future of Wi-Fi. Access to 6 GHz is a critical development for connectivity and provides Wi-Fi with more capacity to provide cases and to unlock new and innovative Wi-Fi applications," said Edgar Figueroa , CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance. "The current global climate highlights the importance of Wi-Fi in connectivity and productivity, and the new Wi-Fi 6E solutions will further advance Wi-Fi's position." "Wi-Fi 6E technology is designed to deliver performance in crowded places," added Tiago Rodrigues, CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance. “The next phase of our testing will demonstrate this performance in real locations. These tests will demonstrate the application and benefits of the technology in live environments and thus accelerate adoption and the creation of new business opportunities made possible by the opening up of the 6 GHz spectrum to be used for Wi-Fi." .