The Federal Communications Commission has implemented new rules authorizing very low-power devices, or VLPs, to operate across all 1,200 MHz of the 6 GHz band.

The increased flexibility is positioned to support advanced applications and smart devices, enhance learning opportunities, improve healthcare outcomes and deliver a modern entertainment experience, the FCC said Monday.

According to FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, the federal government expanded access to 1,200 MHz to "jumpstart the next generation of unlicensed wireless devices." "These are the airwaves where we can develop wearable technologies and expand access to augmented and virtual reality in ways that will provide new opportunities in education, healthcare and entertainment," she explained.

Under the new FCC rules, VLPs will be permitted to operate across 350 MHz of spectrum. The devices will not be restricted where they may operate and will not be required to operate under the control of an automatic frequency coordination system. However, the VLPs will be mandated to use a contention-based protocol and implement transmit power control to ensure that the risk of interference remains insignificant.

In recent years, the commission allowed unlicensed use between 5.925 and 7.125 GHz, paving the way for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 adoption and supporting the growth of the Internet of Things.