WASHINGTON, January 30, 2026, 04:47 (EST)
- The FCC approved a new “geofenced variable power” class for unlicensed 6 GHz devices that can operate indoors and outdoors at higher power.
- The order sets power limits and “exclusion zones,” and opens comments on more 6 GHz flexibility, including cruise-ship use cases.
- Industry groups and consumer tech advocates said the change could support heavier Wi‑Fi demand and new device categories.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved new rules that expand how unlicensed devices can use the 6 GHz band, creating a category called “geofenced variable power,” or GVP, that can operate outdoors at higher power than previously allowed.
The timing matters because Wi‑Fi traffic keeps climbing and the 6 GHz band has become the newest capacity pool for routers and connected gadgets. The FCC said the change is aimed at supporting uses including augmented and virtual reality and internet-of-things (IoT) devices — connected sensors and equipment that send data over local networks.
The agency is leaning on geofencing — software that ties operation to a device’s location — to let higher-power devices work without stepping on existing users. The FCC said GVP devices will be restricted from operating in “exclusion zones” on certain frequencies to protect incumbent licensed services from harmful interference.
Unlicensed spectrum lets manufacturers sell equipment without buying an exclusive license, but devices must follow strict technical rules on power and interference. For consumers, a more flexible 6 GHz rulebook could eventually mean stronger connections in outdoor spaces around homes, campuses and warehouses, though new hardware and approvals take time.
The FCC order allows GVP devices in the U‑NII‑5 (5.925–6.425 GHz) and U‑NII‑7 (6.525–6.875 GHz) slices of the band and sets power limits and other restrictions. It also sought comment on additional changes, including giving some access points — Wi‑Fi router hubs — more power under certain conditions and allowing low‑power indoor access points on cruise ships.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association welcomed the unanimous vote and framed it as a broadband capacity move. “This order will fuel the services that power gaming, education, healthcare, and workforce development,” said Stephanie Joyce, the group’s senior vice president and chief of staff. (CCIA)
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr pointed to new Wi‑Fi hardware coming to market, saying “Wi‑Fi 8 routers and chips for launch as soon as this year” were on display at the Consumer Electronics Show. Carr also cited the FCC’s 2020 decision to open 1,200 megahertz in the 6 GHz band for unlicensed use, casting the new device class as the next step.
Consumer Technology Association chief Gary Shapiro said “Unlicensed spectrum is the foundation for transformative technologies like Wi‑Fi,” as he backed expanded 6 GHz use. Apple, Google and Qualcomm were among companies that pushed for the GVP category, according to Radio World. (Radio World)
Android Authority noted that little will change immediately for users, since most current 6 GHz Wi‑Fi gear is limited to lower power and indoor-only use. It said the new rules could later improve performance for phones, wearables and smart-home devices as manufacturers roll out compliant products. (Android Authority)
But the higher‑power plan hinges on location controls working reliably in the real world. If geofencing fails, licensed incumbents could complain about interference, and the FCC could face pressure to tighten the rules.
The commission’s further notice leaves open how far it will go on power levels and what guardrails it will keep for new uses, including onboard ships. Companies that build chips, routers and connected devices are expected to weigh in as the FCC moves from a vote to implementation.
