The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has made a groundbreaking announcement by allowing low-power wearable technology, including virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) devices, to utilize the 6 GHz frequency band without requiring a license. This decision is set to propel the growth of the metaverse and related technologies, providing access to a spectrum characterized by faster speeds, increased bandwidth, and reduced latency. Tech giants such as Meta, Apple, and Google have eagerly awaited this regulatory change, as it is expected to revolutionize the VR and AR landscape.
The FCC’s decision opens up the 6 GHz frequency band for “very low-power devices,” eliminating the need for licensing. This regulatory update grants these devices access to a substantial 850 megahertz of spectrum within the 6 GHz band. The FCC has emphasized the band’s superior performance, including faster data speeds, enhanced bandwidth, and reduced latency, all of which are crucial for the development of cutting-edge applications like wearable technologies and augmented and virtual reality.
The 6 GHz frequency band is essential for next-generation Wi-Fi operations and was initially made available for certain devices by the FCC in late 2020. With this recent decision, the FCC aims to foster an ecosystem of innovative applications, further strengthening the nation’s economy and enhancing consumer experiences. This development aligns with the growing interest in the metaverse, where VR and AR play a central role in shaping the future of digital interaction.
Leading tech giants such as Meta (formerly Facebook), Apple, and Google have actively been developing VR and AR wearables in anticipation of this regulatory change. Meta unveiled its Quest 3 in early October, while Apple’s Vision Pro is expected to be released in early 2024. Additionally, Meta introduced a second version of its AR glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban in September. Reports suggest that both Apple and Google are also working on AR-enabled glasses.
The FCC’s decision is a response to the requests made by these major tech players in early 2020 to open up the 6 GHz frequency spectrum for very low-power devices, specifically for their wearable products. This move is expected to enable a wide range of applications, such as connecting AR/VR devices to smartphones and facilitating the sharing of navigation data with vehicles, further expanding the capabilities of VR and AR technologies.
While the 6 GHz band holds immense potential for innovation, it also serves as a critical resource for essential services, including managing the U.S. electric grids and supporting long-distance phone services. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in backhaul, which involves the transmission of data between core and subnetworks. Therefore, the FCC’s oversight is crucial to ensure that the newfound access to this spectrum does not interfere with licensed operations.
In its statement, the FCC has stressed the importance of careful regulation to limit the power levels of permitted devices. This approach ensures that low-power devices can operate nationwide while safeguarding the integrity of licensed services that rely on the same frequency band. Additionally, the FCC has proposed the possibility of expanding low-power device access to the remaining 6 GHz band and allowing higher power levels, as long as they are geofenced to prevent interference with licensed operations on the same spectrum.
