FCC Unlocks 6 GHz WiFi Power with Smart Geofencing Magic
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is opening up more of the 6 GHz band for unlicensed devices that use smart geofencing to avoid interfering with important services like microwave links and radio telescopes. Starting April 27, 2026, these devices can operate at higher power but must stay out of restricted zones using location tech. This change helps tech companies and users get faster, more reliable wireless connections without messing up other signals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Higher‑power 6 GHz unlicensed access allowed
Starting April 27, 2026, the FCC allows geofenced variable power (GVP) unlicensed access points to operate in the U-NII-5 (5.925–6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525–6.875 GHz) bands at up to 11 dBm/MHz EIRP power spectral density and 24 dBm EIRP. The FCC says this higher power is intended to let new consumer devices (for example, body‑worn AR/VR and hotspots) achieve better reliability and higher data rates than current very low power devices.
Client devices limited to 6 dB lower power
The FCC requires GVP client devices to operate at least 6 dB below their controlling GVP access point. The rule caps GVP client device power at 5 dBm/MHz EIRP PSD and 18 dBm EIRP while access points may be authorized up to 11 dBm/MHz EIRP PSD and 24 dBm EIRP.
Geofencing and geolocation required for access points
GVP access points must use geolocation and work with geofencing systems that calculate exclusion zones (using AFC-style propagation models) to avoid interfering with microwave links and radio astronomy. Commenters warned that adding geofencing will require device makers to add new hardware and software.
GVP limited to U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 bands
The FCC is allowing GVP operation only in the U-NII-5 (5.925–6.425 GHz) and U-NII-7 (6.525–6.875 GHz) portions of the 6 GHz band and is deferring consideration of GVP for the U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 bands used by BAS/CARS and some low power auxiliary stations. Existing BAS/CARS and related mobile broadcast protections remain the operative regime for U-NII-6 and U-NII-8 for now.
Non‑geofenced VLP rules remain unchanged
The FCC is not increasing general (non‑geofenced) very low power (VLP) device limits; non‑geofenced VLP operations remain limited to the existing -5 dBm/MHz EIRP PSD and 14 dBm EIRP rules. The GVP rules apply only to devices operating under geofencing systems.
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