An important step for the fast-growing metaverse is the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given the green light to certain technologies to leverage it 6GHz frequency band. This decision is timely and aligns with the influx of mixed reality devices making their debut on the technology market.
Access for wearable technologies
On October 19, the FCC announced a crucial rule change: the 6GHz frequency band, which offers a generous 850 MHz of spectrum, will now be accessible to very low-power devices without licensing requirements. This development is especially beneficial for low-power wearable technologies fundamental to the metaverse, including devices designed for virtual and augmented reality experiences.
The Commission has adopted new rules to allow very low power devices in the 6 GHz band to operate alongside other Wi-Fi devices: https://t.co/HFaf2Hbh4M
— The FCC (@FCC) October 19, 2023
The 6GHz band is a promising frontier for these devices, offering benefits such as faster speeds, expanded bandwidth, and significantly reduced latency. These benefits are expected to improve the overall user experience, paving the way for smoother and more immersive interactions within the metaverse.
AR and VR wearables
Major technology players are not new to this frequency spectrum. Giants like Meta, Apple and Google are leading the development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) wearables that are tailor-made to provide users with cutting-edge experiences. Their interest in the 6GHz band was evident when they filed a petition with the FCC in 2020, asking for permission to use this frequency spectrum for their innovative, low-power portable devices.
The applications of the 6GHz band are vast and varied. For example, it can be used to seamlessly connect AR/VR devices to smartphones, enriching the user experience. Another potential use is sharing navigation data with vehicles, enabling improved vehicle-to-device communications.
Representation of interests
The FCC’s approval comes with a clear emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the frequency band. The regulator underlined the importance of ensuring that devices operate at very low power levels. This careful calibration is essential to avoid interference with other critical services that share the same thing frequency spectrum.
The 6GHz band is indeed indispensable for several important services. These include managing America’s power grids, facilitating long-distance telephone communications, and backhaul operations, which serve as essential connections between core and subgrids. Given the importance of these services, the FCC’s oversight is critical to ensure that the new entrants do not disrupt their operations.
Looking Come on
While the current approval is a significant step forward, the FCC’s vision for the 6GHz band does not stop there. The regulator is considering further expansion and considering the possibility of allowing low-power devices to access the remaining bandwidth within the 6GHz band. Additionally, the FCC is also considering the idea of allowing devices to operate at higher power levels, provided they are geofenced. This geofencing would act as a protective barrier and ensure that there is no interference with licensed activities coexisting on the same band.
In conclusion, the FCC’s decision marks a milestone in the evolution of the metaverse and wearable technology. As technology companies move forward with their innovations, this expanded access to the 6GHz band promises to catalyze the growth and richness of virtual and augmented reality experiences.
