FCC Approves 6G Spectrum for AR/VR Wearables, Boosting Innovation Potential

On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted to open new spectrum bands for specific devices, a move expected to accelerate the development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) wearable devices.

The FCC's decision permits the use of the 6 GHz band, currently allocated to Wi-Fi and other services, by "very low-power devices" including wearable technologies.

By granting access to this spectrum, the FCC aims to stimulate innovation in wearable technologies, AR/VR advancements, and other cutting-edge applications. It presents opportunities for businesses, enhances learning and healthcare, and creates new entertainment experiences.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, expressed its support for the FCC's decision, considering it as an excellent demonstration of collaboration between government regulators and the industry in shaping the future.

For Meta, the opening of the 6 GHz band holds significant importance in advancing its vision of smart glasses. This development ensures that users of future devices can enjoy more powerful features even when they are away from home and not connected to a strong Wi-Fi network.

Google's Pixel team also hailed the 6 GHz band as a critical element for future wireless connectivity. They stated on X, previously known as Twitter, that the FCC's vote represents a victory for Pixel users and American consumers, as this band can now be utilized for high-speed point-to-point Wi-Fi communication.

Point-to-point connection, as described by Google, allows devices to connect directly to each other via Wi-Fi without the need for an intermediate access point. Google emphasizes the usefulness of this capability for multiplayer games and photo-sharing apps.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Apple viewed the FCC's vote as a positive step forward.

When the FCC sought comments in 2020, Apple, Broadcom, Meta, and Google all expressed their support for the agency's proposal to open up the 6 GHz band for very low-power devices, including AR/VR tools, headsets, and game controllers. They emphasized that this would enhance the mobility and usability of these tools outdoors without the constraints of cables.

At the time, they also highlighted that these capabilities, combined with low latency and high data rates, would enable new critical use cases, ranging from training for life-saving surgeries to assisting blind and visually impaired individuals.

Additionally, they cautioned that confining AR/VR glasses to indoor and less portable settings would severely restrict their potential and utility in activities such as jogging, hiking, or attending sporting events.