The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a significant step forward by allowing Very Low Power (VLP) devices to operate unlicensed across the entire 6 GHz band. These VLP devices represent an emerging category, known for operating over short distances and offering high connection speeds. The FCC believes this move will enable high-data rate applications that enhance consumer experiences and stimulate economic growth.
The commission’s decision expands the available spectrum for VLP devices, opening up new opportunities for applications such as augmented reality, virtual reality, in-car connectivity, wearables, healthcare monitoring, short-range mobile hotspots, high-accuracy location and navigation, and automation. This expansion supports applications that require cutting-edge, high-data rate services.
According to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, this initiative will “help jumpstart the next generation of unlicensed wireless devices.” Although the FCC had previously designated 850 megahertz of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, the new decision includes the entire 1,200 megahertz of the band. “This 1,200 megahertz means unlicensed bandwidth with a mix of high capacity and low latency,” explains Rosenworcel. This capability is critical for immersive, real-time applications in education, healthcare, and entertainment.
The FCC has ensured that VLP devices operate across the U-NII-6 band and the U-NII-8 band while adhering to existing power and operational protections in other bands. This strategic approach reduces the risk of interference with existing fixed microwave links in the spectrum. Importantly, VLP devices face no limitations on operating locations nor required operation under automatic frequency coordination systems. However, they must employ a contention-based protocol and control their transmit power to prevent interference issues.
Rosenworcel first proposed this change in October. The initiative received unanimous support from both Democratic and Republican commission members. Major industry players such as Meta, Apple, Broadcom, Qualcomm, Intel, and Google, also back the move, acknowledging its potential to drive innovation and provide advanced solutions in the tech space.
