Unlicensed Use of the 6 GHz Band; Expanding Flexible Use in Mid-Band Spectrum Between 3.7 and 24 GHz

What it does

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) issued a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek comment on two proposals to improve 6 GHz band (5.925-7.125 GHz) unlicensed device performance. One proposal would allow automated frequency coordination (AFC) systems to take into account building entry loss (BEL) when determining frequency and power- level availability for access points that are authorized to operate in both standard power and LPI modes--i.e., composite indoor/standard- power access points. This will provide stronger signals and better coverage inside homes and buildings, without increasing the risk of harmful interference to licensed services that share the 6 GHz band. Another proposal would allow low-power indoor access points to operate on cruise ships. These devices were previously banned on boats, but the Commission believes the risk of harmful interference occurring from this application is low because cruise ships are few in number and their thick metal walls block signals from escaping. The Commission also seeks comment broadly on any changes that could be made to the 6 GHz band unlicensed rules to reflect technological and business developments since the rules were first adopted in 2020.

The Federal Communications Commission's summary, as published in the Federal Register.

What it would change

1 part of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations:

47 CFR 15

What happens next and when

Comments are due on or before March 23, 2026 and reply comments are due on or before April 21, 2026.

The agency's dates, word for word.

Check it yourself

• The document in the Federal Register
• Title 47 on eCFR

The record as published

Source: the Federal Register (public domain). The document in the Federal Register