US FCC Opens 6 GHz Band for AR/VR Wearable Tech, Boosting Metaverse Development
Summary:
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the use of the 6 GHz frequency band for wearable technology, crucial for virtual and augmented reality devices pivotal to the metaverse. The change permits 'very low power devices' to access this band without a license and ensures faster speeds, enhanced bandwidth, and less lag. Tech giants like Meta, Apple, and Google, also collaborating on AR or VR wearables, had petitioned the FCC to open the frequency spectrum for such devices. The FCC has implemented regulations that protect licensed services using the same band.
Under new regulations from the US communications authority, wearable technology operating on low power, which is fundamental for both virtual and augmented reality devices integral to the metaverse, is now allowed to utilize the 6 GHz frequency band. The Federal Communications Commission revealed in a press release on October 19 that it has granted access to the 6 GHz frequency band for 'very low power devices' without requiring a license, enabling usage of a total 850 megahertz of the spectrum. This band provides quicker speeds, enhanced bandwidth and reduced latency. The commission announced, "These provisions will catalyze a network of state-of-the-art applications, comprising wearable technology and augmented and virtual reality". As per the FCC, the 6 GHz band holds significance for 'next-generation Wi-Fi operations' and it was initially authorized for specific device usage by the commission in late 2020.
The commission stated that its resolution would "enhance customer experiences and strengthen the country's economy". Tech giants including Meta, Apple, and Google have been developing AR or VR wearables, with the latest release being Meta’s Quest 3 in early October. Apple’s Vision Pro is estimated to launch in early 2024. In September, Meta launched a second edition of its AR glasses produced in collaboration with Rayban. Bloomberg reported at that time that Apple and Google were also working on developing AR-enabled glasses. These major tech enterprises originally requested the FCC in early 2020 to open the frequency spectrum for their low-power devices like wearables.
According to Bloomberg, the uses for the 6GHz band include enabling connection of AR/VR devices to a smartphone or sharing navigation data with vehicles. The FCC maintained in its announcement that the newly introduced regulations were deliberately intended to restrict permitted devices to very low power levels that meet certain criteria, to ensure their operation nationwide while avoiding interference with services using the same band. The 6 GHz band is also utilized by systems that oversee US electric grids, long-distance telephone services, and backhaul, reasons for which FCC supervision is necessary. The watchdog also suggested the extension of low-power devices to use the remaining 6 GHz band and the potential to use higher power levels if they are geographically restricted to eliminate interference with authorized operations using the identical band.
Published At
10/20/2023 1:43:12 AM
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