The White House is taking a victory lap over its efforts to close the digital divide, announcing recently that 10 million households have signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was funded to the tune of $14.2 billion under the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The program, designed for low-income Americans, offers eligible households up to $30 off their monthly internet service, or up to $75 off for those living on tribal lands. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program grew out of the pandemic-related funding provided under the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, which offered low-income households up to $50 off their monthly bills. That program came together quickly and was marked early on by technical troubles that made it nearly impossible for some Americans who had been approved for the program to sign up for service with their internet providers.

Some providers were also found to be stretching the rules laid out by the FCC, which required people enrolled in the program to actively opt in to full-price internet plans whenever the funding for the discounts ran out. That approach was designed to prevent low-income Americans from getting hit with surprise bills they couldn't afford. But reporters found at least two providers were requiring people to opt in to higher priced plans as a condition of enrollment.

The false starts raised questions about whether the EBB program was really making a dent in the digital divide. One study last summer estimated that 36 million households might be eligible for the program. At the time, just under 4 million households had enrolled. 

The author of that report, John Horrigan, a senior fellow at the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, said the progress that's been made since then is "encouraging." "In a fairly short time frame, the program that didn't exist has ramped up to a good level," he said.

But even with 10 million households enrolled, tens of millions of eligible households may still be left behind. According to Horrigan's calculations, in 2021, there were 38 million households at or below 200% of the poverty level in the U.S., which would make them eligible for the program. That, he said, means "more elbow grease" needs to be applied in terms of outreach.
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While the White House’s announcement was a chance to celebrate the success of the program, it also marked the beginning of a dedicated push to get more Americans enrolled. The White House said the FCC and its local partners will be holding 10 enrollment events over the next month to both raise awareness for the program and train navigators who can help people enroll.

A ruling at the end of December by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has backed up an April 2020 decision by the FCC to open up 1,200MHz of spectrum in the 6GHz band for unlicensed use. Unlicensed means anyone can use it, if they do so responsibly, covering uses like your future Wi-Fi 6E home network.

While Wi-Fi 6 connections make more reliable and efficient use of the same spectrum, that’s been in use for the last couple of decades, especially when multiple devices are connected, Wi-Fi 6E routers will work at 2.4GHz and 5GHz plus the new 6GHz band. That has enough room for up to seven maximum capacity Wi-Fi streams to broadcast in the same area at once without interfering with each other or using any existing spectrum. 

Beyond that, there’s already work on a future standard, known as IEEE 802.11be or Wi-Fi 7. That could further optimize the use of the new band with even larger 320MHz channels, 46 Gbps maximum transfer rates, and more, but it’s not scheduled to be complete until 2024 (pdf).

In the immediate future, while 6GHz Wi-Fi has the same theoretical top speed as 5GHz Wi-Fi, the extra space means that instead of getting so much interference from other devices and nearby networks, you’ll have a faster, more consistent connection. Last year a representative for the Wi-Fi Alliance said that this should enable 1–2 Gbps connections over Wi-Fi, similar to what you see now with mmWave 5G.
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AT&T argued against the FCC’s plan, saying the commission failed to identify and address possible interference with “tens of thousands of microwave links critical to maintaining network infrastructure,” talking about the wireless tech that keeps many cell sites connected to the wider internet. In one filing, AT&T said, “The 6GHz FS [fixed service] band is the only band suitable for long distance transmission, routinely supporting paths between 10-50 miles and, in cases, even longer distances.” Mobile carriers preferred a plan where the FCC would auction off a chunk of the 6GHz bandwidth for use solely by their 5G networks. The FCC said that low-power indoor use protects licensed 6GHz tech like AT&T’s microwave links and TV broadcasts from interference, while “standard power” devices used indoors and outdoors could include automated frequency control to prevent interference.

Have you ever wondered what makes 5G so unique relative to the other “G’s?” The answer, in a word, is latency. And even if you don’t know what that is yet, it makes a big difference in the way you use your phone, whether that’s hailing a rideshare like Uber, unlocking a scooter rental, or streaming a favorite show or movie.

Here’s why 5G is fundamentally different from all the other G’s, how critical cellular networking elements make it work, and all you need to know about the role that licensed spectrum plays in making it all a reality.

Defining the G’s. G stands for generation, and every cellular-service level represents a significant step up over the last. First, there was 1G, which provided voice-only services over an analog network, and the service was fraught with dropped calls and poor security. Next up, 2G brought the advent of a digital network, and with it significant improvements in security, quality, and something we pretty much all use daily today – text messaging. Then came 3G, which represented another technology leapfrog that saw mobile data support for web browsing and video calls (and Apple’s launch of the iconic iPhone). Today, 4G is the standard we enjoy. It brought improved throughput and performance and helped birth some of the disruptive services previously mentioned.

So, what makes 5G anything more than just faster? The answer is improved latency. 

Latency is the time it takes for a packet of data to travel from a sender to a receiver over a network: The lower the latency, the more responsive an application, especially if it is video intensive. Measured in milliseconds (ms), today’s 4G networks ring in at around 50ms, compared to an expected sub-5ms latency for 5G. The latter equates to nearly real-time responsiveness and is so fast it may even replace your home internet. No wonder carriers globally are eager to deploy 5G-based networks for both consumer and business applications.

The Parts That Make It Work. Core network components serve as the central part of a cellular network. They knit together mobile, fixed, and converged connectivity to ensure a more consistent user experience. The switch to 5G also brings the use of more industry-standard hardware and open-source software. Companies that deliver server, storage, and virtualization platforms such as Dell EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and VMware have made significant inroads into the telecommunications space, which has brought disruption from a cost and deployment perspective.

Some of the more recent capabilities that have come to core networking include machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and software-defined networking (SDN) tools. There is a degree of whitewashing with some, if not all, of these platforms, but the benefits are real. Those include faster deployment, self-healing for improved uptime, and network slicing to guarantee new service quality and new monetization opportunities for carriers and service providers.

Radio access network (RAN) components, on the other hand, play an essential role in how your smartphone or mobile device communicates across a cellular network. These include base stations, antenna arrays, and small cell platforms. Base stations are fixed points of communication within a cellular network designed to cover a specific geographic area. Based on the need for radio coverage, they can take the form of:

• Macrocells that cover a wide area and are typically found on towers
• Microcells that are used for densification of coverage in highly populated areas that can be found mounted to streetlight poles and traffic signals
• Picocells that boost coverage within buildings.

There has recently been an intense focus on Open RAN, which started as an effort by some U.S. government agencies to decrease dependence on foreign suppliers in the name of national security given the critical nature of telecommunications infrastructure. Open RAN also promises to lower operator capital and operational expenses, given some of the similarities mentioned earlier of core networking trends. As a result, several organizations make it a reality, such as the Open RAN Policy Coalition, O-RAN Alliance, and Telecom Infra Project (TIP). This alphabet soup may be tough to follow, but the takeaway is that Open RAN is poised to reduce costs and speed deployment, which could be a positive thing for new subscribers.

Licensed Spectrum. The best way to view licensed spectrum is in three buckets: The low, mid, and high bands.

For 5G, the low band provides comprehensive coverage, but only a modest improvement over 4G LTE. T-Mobile has been keenly focused on building out its low-band spectrum assets to offer the most expansive 5G coverage area, and it is an intelligent move to bring new 5G subscribers on board rapidly. The mid band balances 5G coverage with exceptional performance. It is no wonder that the recent Federal Communications Commission C-Band auction was a record-breaker in raising roughly $82B, with Verizon and AT&T spending billions of dollars to fill gaps in their respective spectrum portfolios. Finally, high band, or mmWave, provides the best 5G performance but the worst coverage. Reception is thwarted through buildings and trees, requiring many small towers to bolster signal strength. Verizon has prioritized its high band 5G buildout (branded Ultra-Wideband). Still, the challenge is that subscriber reach is limited, and service is available in just a handful of major metropolitan areas. That will improve over time, but it will not be a fast process.
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Still Seeking the Killer App. The hype cycle for 5G may be at its apex, but don’t be dismayed if it feels long in coming. The reality is that 5G is not a light switch – it’s a slow dawn. New infrastructure and unlicensed spectrum, especially in the high band mmWave, will combine to deliver a fantastic 5G subscriber experience. New service offerings for both consumers and enterprises will rival 4G, thanks to the dramatic improvements in both throughput and latency. Ridesharing was the “poster child” disruptive use case in a 4G world. It will be exciting to see what unfolds in a 5G world.

Given how much valuable information we entrust to computers these days, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your work and home networks are safe. All it takes is one chink in your Wi-Fi’s armor to compromise your system, leading to ransomware, invasion of privacy, and the loss of invaluable personal data. Learn how to secure your Wi-Fi network today, and rest easier knowing you’ve prevented future outrages.

Wi-Fi works by broadcasting the signal from your modem via a wireless router up to several hundred feet away, allowing any compatible device to connect to the internet. While this is undoubtedly a major convenience for both work and home networks, it also raises the unpleasant possibility that a cybercriminal could compromise the network and access your devices and information. Should any crime be committed using your PC, such as spamming or harassment, the investigation would lead back to your computer, potentially putting you at legal risk.

However, as long as the wireless signal is sufficiently encrypted or rearranged into a coded transmission, your network should be safe from digital eavesdroppers and intruders. Two types of encryption are commonly used on routers, computers, and other devices: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). The most current and robust encryption is known as WPA3, though the weaker WPA2 is more common. Either should protect you from all but the most determined cybercriminals, though WPA3 will give you greater security against the latest threats. If you’re still using WEP to protect your Wi-Fi network, even the most common hacking programs could pose a threat, so consider upgrading your router for one with WPA3 included.

Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Security. It is worth noting that even though many routers now come with WPA3 encryption as standard, some do not have encryption enabled right out of the box. Fortunately, enabling the encryption is a simple matter of following the router’s instruction manual or manufacturer’s website. Additionally, there are several steps to take during the router’s setup to minimize the risks to your network, though these settings can also be adjusted at a later time.

Limit Wi-Fi Access. First and foremost, you should consider enabling any available options to limit the number of devices that can access your network, which you can do either through your computer’s Wi-Fi or directly through your router’s app. While it might be convenient to get that Wi-Fi-connected slow cooker you saw online, Internet of Things (IoT) devices can serve as easy entry points for hackers. Each device will be assigned an individual Media Address Control (MAC) that will allow your approved devices to access Wi-Fi while blocking those without a MAC – though hackers have spoofed MAC addresses before, so don’t rely solely on this feature to secure your network.

Protect Your Router. Since your router is the primary point of contact between your network and the internet, you need to make sure it’s been well-secured as your primary form of cyber defense. Failure to secure your router can allow hackers to seize control of it, redirect your web traffic, and steal personal and financial info. If you’re still using the generic network name and password the router came with, you could be in some severe trouble and not even know it.

PC users can check their router’s encryption status by right-clicking on the Internet Access toolbar icon and selecting Properties. From there, scroll down to Properties at the bottom of the window, and you’ll be able to check the security type that’s running, which should be WPA2 at a minimum.

Mac users can check the encryption status by opening System Preferences, clicking on “Network,” and then selecting the Wi-Fi network listed and then clicking on the “Advanced…” button. The network will be listed with its encryption status.

Changing the stock password the router shipped with is of paramount importance since these manufacturer-provided details are not always randomized and are well-known by hackers. Find your router’s IP address and use that to access it. Log in and change the default password. You should also ensure that their router’s service set identifier (SSID) has been changed to a unique name that only you know.

Update Your Router’s Firmware and Software Regularly. We all update our smartphones regularly. But updating your router is even more critical. You can accomplish this by either accessing your router directly or using an app, if available. Most routers have an option to update it directly in the admin panel.

Disable Remote Access. While the idea of accessing your router from anywhere with an internet connection might seem appealing, keep in mind that anyone else with the right skills can do the same. Remote access can be disabled via accessing your router directly or using an app. 
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Essentially, by following the same practices to protect your computer from digital intrusions (frequent updates, attention to detail, malware protection, etc.), you can help keep your wireless networks safe and sound.

Some of the world’s biggest companies, like Amazon and SpaceX, are looking towards space for the future of the Internet. Satellite-based Internet is a nascent enterprise, but analysts believe that broadband Internet beamed to Earth from orbit could be a massive business within the next 20 years, earning hundreds of billions of dollars.

Attention has focused on the “space” part of “space Internet,” with news stories focused on the rocket launches getting SpaceX’s Starlink satellites into space and how Amazon plans to catch up with satellites of its own. But all of these satellites will need transceivers on Earth to send and receive data. Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and Socionext Inc. have built a new one that works with the next generation of Internet satellites.

What are transceivers? Unassuming pieces of technology, they are some of the least-flashy but most important components in history. A transceiver is a device that can both transmit and receive signals, hence the name. Combining a transmitter and a receiver into one device allows for greater flexibility, and since their development in the 1920s, they’ve been used to reach remote locations. One of the earliest transceivers, invented by the Australian John Traeger, was used to help doctors reach remote villages.

The new transceiver, designed for space internet technology, was developed at Kenichi Okada's lab at Tokyo Tech and presented recently at the virtual IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium. The new device has several improvements on both the transmitting and receiving ends of the business. All of these developments are geared toward providing Internet access in rural and remote areas. At only 3 mm (0.118 inches) by 3 mm, the transceiver can communicate with satellites over 22,000 miles above the Earth’s atmosphere.

"Satellite communication has become a key technology for providing interactive TV and broadband internet services in low-density rural areas. Implementing Ka-band communications using silicon – complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology in particular – is a promising solution owing to the potential for global coverage at low cost and using the wide available bandwidth," Okada said in a statement released by Tokyo Tech.

On the receiving end, the transceiver uses a dual-channel architecture. That translates into two receiving channels being able to attain signals from two different satellites simultaneously. If there’s ever any interference, be it from a malicious actor, a satellite breaking down in space, or the odd solar flare, it can effortlessly pick up another signal.

Stopping Interference. It can also handle one of the worst issues to plague any transceiver: adjacent channel interference or ACI. ACI occurs when a signal sent on one channel begins to overlap with another, adding noise and interference. The new transceiver’s dual-channel architecture can stop ACI at the source. Any interference is eliminated by adjacent channels. ACI is the type of problem that can frequently occur in remote areas, and eliminating it allows the device to extend its range even further.

On the transmitting side, Okada says that the device’s “transmitting power was the biggest challenge” for the new transceiver. Not only does it have to work, but it has to be cost-effective for companies like Amazon and SpaceX to show any consideration.

Designers use semiconductors known for the efficiency, as well as transistors made of the little-known compound Gallium arsenide, which has the lovely acronym of GaAs. GaAs transistors are superior to their more common silicon in many ways, and Okada says that getting the semiconductors and GaAs transistors to work together is “the most important technology for the transceiver design.”

Who This Helps. It’s not just space-based Internet that could benefit from the design that Okada and his team have developed. Okada says that balloon-based Internet, the type currently being implemented by Alphabet’s Loon in Kenya, could also use this improved transceiver.

In emergencies with inferior to non-existent Internet, the type that Loon, Starlink, and now Amazon’s Kuiper want to solve, every advantage can count. And now, one of the most significant advantages might come on the ground.

Many Americans are very frustrated that they have to pay a mandatory router rental charge every month as part of their ISP bill. It gets added even if you purchase and use your own router in many cases. But as of Dec. 20, the practice is now illegal, and you can demand your ISP stop the charge.

As The Verge reports, your ISP can still charge for a router sent to a customer, but that customer should be able to return the router, have the fee canceled, and supply their own router instead. The charge is typically $10 a month, so the cost of buying a router is soon recouped. A good budget router can cost less than $50, meaning you'll start seeing the benefit of money saved in less than six months.
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Don't expect ISPs to take the initiative here and cancel the fee automatically. If you are already using your own equipment, contact your ISP and demand that the fee is stopped. Send them a link to the bill if they protest. Alternatively, if you are using the equipment supplied by your ISP, do some research, see if there's a good alternative available and check the process for returning the ISP-provided equipment before attempting to cancel the fee. You want to avoid any internet downtime, especially as we are all so reliant on the internet for communication right now.

Remember when Amazon (quietly) announced its expansion to Sidewalk, back in September? Well, the feature is live for some in a new update for the Amazon Alexa app, and you might want to go turn it off. We covered it in Issue 7-25.

Sidewalk is a feature that extends the network coverage of your devices, particularly Ring surveillance tech (like its cameras, smart lights, and pet trackers) and Echo smart speakers. But it'll also share a small chunk of that internet bandwidth to provide the same services to your neighbors – so your privately-owned devices won't be so private anymore. 

Sidewalk has been slowly rolling out to Echo and Ring owners in the U.S. as of Thanksgiving, which users were made aware of via an email from Amazon. While the feature isn't up and running yet, the email essentially notifies users that it's "coming soon." But it's also the company's discreet way of letting you know the feature has officially been turned on. 

Amazon makes it easy to opt out if you're only just unboxing your shiny, new Sidewalk-compatible device. During the setup process, users are asked if they want to join the network via the Amazon Alexa app. However, if you already own one of the 20 Sidewalk-enabled products, it'll automatically opt-in for you. 
To disable Sidewalk, all you need to do is: 

• Update the Amazon Alexa app or double-check that you're on the latest version
• Open the Amazon Alexa app and tap on the More tab
• Then, tap Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk and toggle off the Enabled button
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Thankfully, the additional Community Finding feature – which "can help your neighbors find pets and important items connected to Sidewalk by sharing the approximate location of [your] device and other Sidewalk bridges you own" is disabled automatically.

Of course, if you'd like to use Sidewalk on either your Echo smart speaker or Ring security device, you'll be happy to know you're already all set for when Amazon officially launches the new feature.

Amazon is now starting to roll out its Amazon Sidewalk local networking system to customers in the U.S. Here's what you should know about it.

First announced in September 2019, Sidewalk is a new idea and long-term effort for extending the smart home to entire smart neighborhoods by using various local networking options. 

On November 24th, Amazon began sending out emails to Echo device owners letting them know that an update with Amazon Sidewalk will soon be rolling out. Though the system will take time to build out, the first steps are happening now.

With that in mind, here are some of the essential points that users should know about Amazon Sidewalk.

What is Amazon Sidewalk? Amazon Sidewalk is a new type of wireless network that makes smart home capabilities much longer ranged. A Sidewalk Bridge connects to your Wi-Fi network and essentially extends the connectivity range beyond what your router can output. In some cases, Amazon says this range could be half a mile.

It works by using various communication protocols, such as 900MHz radio signals and Bluetooth Low-Energy, for inter-device communications. The system will intelligently switch between these protocols depending on the range and power needed.

These Sidewalk networks work a bit differently than your home Wi-Fi, however. The bandwidth in a Sidewalk network is open for not just your own devices, but your neighbors', too. It's a bit like a local mesh network, but across a neighborhood. 

Most Amazon device owners already have a Sidewalk Bridge in their homes. Recent Echo and Ring devices will soon receive over-the-air updates that will allow them to work as bridges.

Benefits of Amazon Sidewalk. As mentioned earlier, one of the first and primary goals of Amazon Sidewalk is to extend the range of your smart home gadgets. What that looks like in practical terms could differ depending on your smart home setup.

A Sidewalk network could, as an example, ensure that outdoor security cameras or lights have a working connection even if they're far from your Wi-Fi router. It could also mean faster connectivity if a device connects to a nearby Sidewalk Bridge instead of attempting to connect to a router farther away.

If you happen to drop a Tile device while walking around the neighborhood, it could still be within the range of the local Sidewalk network — and it'll be able to connect to the appropriate servers using a neighbor's Sidewalk bandwidth.

Sidewalk will also make the onboarding of devices much quicker and simpler. And Amazon envisions other uses, too, such as a pet safety service called Amazon Fetch that alerts users if their pet wanders outside of a preset perimeter.

Are there any downsides to Amazon Sidewalk? For one, Sidewalk isn't a replacement for a home Wi-Fi network. The bandwidth available on a Sidewalk network is pretty small — Amazon says the maximum bandwidth is just 80Kbps, with a cap at 500MB. As such, it's only useful for low-power devices like smart locks, security sensors, and Tile trackers.

There are, of course, security and privacy concerns, too. If your dog has a Sidewalk-connected tag on its collar, it means that you may be sending Amazon the location, duration, and frequency of all your dog walks. Amazon does have a white paper that explains some of its Sidewalk-related security policies.

Of course, there's also the question of it being a shared network. Although Amazon says it will encrypt all traffic sent through a Sidewalk network, users won't know who is on a specific network or how much traffic their neighbor might be sending over it.

All in all, users will only be able to exercise marginal control over their local Sidewalk networks. There isn't currently a way for users to figure out which Sidewalk Bridge their compatible devices are connected to.
Can I opt out of Sidewalk? The downsides and implications of Amazon Sidewalk wouldn't be as pressing if it weren't enabled by default. The system is opt-out instead of opt-in.

Once Amazon enables Sidewalk, users will see an information splash screen that explains what it is and what it does. There, they'll have the option to disable it — it'll be turned on by default.

Users will also be able to disable the local networking system through the Amazon Alexa app. The option is located in Settings > Account Settings > Amazon Sidewalk.
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If users do disable Sidewalk, their devices won't connect to their local neighborhood networks. On the flip side, neighbors won't be able to use their Sidewalk bandwidth, either.

The US House of Representatives approved the Moving Forward Act this week, a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill that puts $100 billion toward bringing high-speed broadband to underserved areas. The ambitious bill also allocates funds toward transportation and clean energy initiatives, like $500 billion for rebuilding highways, bridges and rail, and $70 billion for promoting renewable energy.

The main objective of the broadband portion of the bill is to bring high-speed internet to “unserved and underserved rural, suburban, and urban communities,” as well as adequate support for it, according to a Moving Forward Act fact sheet from the Department of Transportation. It prioritizes remote learning for children by providing digital equipment and outfitting school buses and school libraries with Wi-Fi. The bill also provides broadband payment support for low-income households and the recently unemployed.

The full version of the Moving Forward Act isn’t likely to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate. However, the broadband-related amendments may still have a chance, said Matt Wood, President of Policy and General Counsel at Free Press Action, a media advocacy group. “People in cities and rural areas alike need better broadband at better prices, no matter their party or politics,” Wood said.
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The bill is just one of many recent efforts by the government to close the “digital divide.” In February 2019, President Donald Trump unveiled the American Broadband Initiative aimed at bringing broadband to rural America. Earlier this year, the Federal Communications Commission committed $20.4 billion to the same end.

During the Federal Communications Commission’s monthly meeting last week, it ratified unlicensed use of the 6GHz radio frequency spectrum in the USA. This decision opens the way for the proposed Wi-Fi 6E standard to move forward.

Industry giants Intel and Broadcom began planning for this move two years ago. Broadcom released its first Wi-Fi 6E chipset in February, targeted at mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Intel hasn’t released any actual products using it yet, but an Intel rep has now confirmed that they’re on the way.

Intel’s spokesperson said that the company’s own working prototype devices were part of the presentations given initially to the FCC to facilitate the decision-making process and described Intel’s and Broadcom’s work on devices before the FCC’s decision as a risky but rewarding two-year investment on both companies’ parts.

The Rules So Far. Although the FCC was widely expected to ratify unlicensed use of the 6GHz spectrum in general unanimously, the associated usage rules were less certain. Until last week, the 6GHz spectrum was for licensed use only – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t already in use.

Licensed use of the 6GHz spectrum includes point-to-point microwave backhaul (used by commercial wireless providers), telephone and utility communication, and control links. It also includes Cable Television Relay Links – which are mobile links used by newscasters doing onsite live reporting – and radio astronomy.

The truly excellent news for Wi-Fi 6E backers – and future users – is that the FCC has ratified unlicensed use of the entire 1.2GHz spectrum for low-power indoor devices. Separating unlicensed outdoor and high-powered usage from indoor and low power allows for the maximum utility of spectrum in the most common (and most crowded) Wi-Fi environments while preserving the utility of incumbent licensed users.

FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly’s statement released last week discussed this in greater detail, making it clear that Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) – the type of technology that limits the use of 5GHz on DFS frequencies in modern Wi-Fi – will not be required for most devices on the 6GHz band:

All of these enormous benefits can only be realized by authorizing both standard-powered operations and Low-Power-Indoor ( LPI) devices, which, unlike the higher-power systems, do not need an AFC.

While there has been much debate about whether LPI use can cause interference to fixed networks, electronic news gathering, and other incumbent applications, the studies in the record and the analysis of the talented professionals in the Office of Engineering and Technology are quite clear: unlicensed use – with the technical rules set in this item – can be introduced without causing harmful interference.

Commissioner Geoffrey Starks points out that even those who aren’t early adopters of Wi-Fi 6E technology stand to benefit since those who do will compete less for available 5GHz spectrum:

Even for those who can’t afford the new equipment that will take advantage of the new spectrum and the latest iteration of Wi-Fi, speeds for their devices should increase as existing Wi-Fi traffic moves to the new spectrum. Wi-Fi channels within their homes [will] become less congested, and data flows more freely.

The FCC’s vote to ratify unlicensed 6GHz use was bi-partisan and unanimous, with supporting statements made by organizations including the Internet & Television Association, Charter, Comcast, Public Knowledge, and the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Still to Come. With the general use of 6GHz secured, the FCC expects to see great offloads of current mobile traffic to local Wi-Fi – Commissioner O’Rielly cited a Wi-Fi Forward assessment when claiming that 76% of all mobile traffic will be offloaded to Wi-Fi in the next two years.

Not all of O’Rielly’s suggestions were ratified at last week’s meeting. In particular, the commission is still deliberating extensions to allow Very Low Power (VLP) devices to operate outdoors without the use of automated frequency control. This would encourage the use of 6GHz for wearable devices, such as VR headsets and smartwatches, which would only need extremely short-range connections to linked devices.
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With usable rules for unlicensed 6GHz spectrum use defined, analysts expect to see Wi-Fi 6E devices beginning to become available to consumers in late 2020 or early 2021.