By B.N. Frank
In December 2021 utilities and other groups petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay opening the 6 GHz to unlicensed users because “a new generation of unlicensed 6G routers and other wireless devices” could cause dangerous inference issues. Various noteworthy groups have continued to warn the FCC (see 1, 2). Nevertheless, the regulatory agency recently approved testing anyway. From RCR Wireless:
FCC conditionally approves AFC systems for 6 GHz Wi-Fi operation
‘This is good news and real progress’: FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Office of Engineering and Technology announced the conditional approval of thirteen proposed automated frequency coordination (AFC) database systems in preparation for the testing phase of 6 GHz Wi-Fi operations.
AFC is a spectrum use coordination system designed to mitigate interference in the 6 GHz band between unlicensed Wi-Fi 6E and 7 devices and the licensed users already occupying that band. It resembles similar systems in place such as the one that supports CBRS wireless operation.
Because the 6 GHz band was already occupied by incumbent users, the FCC imposed significant restrictions on the Wi-Fi devices looking to transmit in this band. To avoid potential interference with existing 6 GHz incumbents, the FCC defined two types of device classifications with different transmit power rules for Wi-Fi devices operating on the band: low-power access points (APs) for indoor Wi-Fi and standard-power APs that can be used indoors and outdoors.
However, automated frequency coordination will bring the flexibility and the range of Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz band, but with 6 GHz performance. “The FCC’s recent rule changes expanded unlicensed use in the 5.925-6.425 GHz and 6.525-6.875 GHz portions of the 6 GHz band to allow standard-power devices under the control of an AFC,” stated the FCC.
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In a previous conversation with RCR Wireless News, Chris Szymanski, director of product marketing for Broadcom’s Mobile Connectivity Division said AFC brings “the best of both worlds” by protecting incumbent license holders while allowing Wi-Fi devices tp operate at maximum performance. He said that AFC will boost AP power by 63 times in 6 GHz. “We can do so much with that sort of power in terms of range, throughput and resiliency. Nothing trumps power,” he added.
Specifically, the FCC approved automated frequency coordination systems proposed by Broadcom, Google, Comsearch, Sony Group, Kyrio, Key Bridge Wireless, Nokia Innovations, Federated Wireless, Wireless Broadband Alliance, Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA), Qualcomm, Plume Design and RED Technologies.
The testing process for those looking to move forward with their AFC system will include both lab testing and an opportunity for public testing, and each applicant will be required to make its system available for a specified period of time to provide an opportunity for members of the public to test each AFC system’s functionality.
“American businesses and households rely on Wi-Fi for work, school, access to healthcare, and connecting with friends and family,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “We are moving forward on our plan to open doors for next generation, faster, better Wi-Fi — including Wi-Fi 6E and laying the groundwork for Wi-Fi 7. This is good news and real progress.”
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Same shit, different day from the FCC! Sacrificing public safety is “good news” and “real progress” but not for the American public.
The FCC has catered to the telecom industry for decades (see 1, 2). In regard to interference risks associated with new technologies, the most widely reported may be with 5G and aviation equipment (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Of course, interference issues are not isolated to aviation equipment. In 2020, utility companies and associations filed lawsuits against the FCC for not protecting utility infrastructure from potential electrical interference issues with 5G (see 1, 2). Telecom provider, SpaceX has stated that Dish’s 5G satellites will cause interference issues affecting Starlink satellite service. DirecTV and RS Submit have also warned about satellite interference issues. The Department of Defense (DoD) has also been trying to resolve potential 5G network interference issues with military radar. In August, a bi-partisan group of senators requested that the FCC reconsider harmful interference risks with associated Ligado’s network before allowing it to be activated. Fortunately, in September Ligado cancelled trial network plans, perhaps because of a report that also warned about interference risks. Additionally, last month another report revealed that the telecom industry was aware of “known RF challenges” with 5G!
Of course, there have been other significant issues reported about 5G as well – cybersecurity, health, poor service, etc. In 2019, telecom executives gave congressional testimony that they had NO independent scientific evidence that 5G is safe and the majority of scientists worldwide oppose deployment (see 1, 2). Some researchers have also warned that activation may be contributing to COVID-19 infections as well as hundreds of thousands if not millions of bird deaths. Nevertheless, the FCC (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) – which also lost a lawsuit for NOT updating wireless radiation guidelines (including 5G) since 1996 – and other American government and state agencies and committees (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) have continued to promote and fund 5G deployment and densification (see 1, 2) as well as that of 4G and public Wi-Fi which also poses known health and environmental risks.
Activist Post reports regularly about the FCC and unsafe technology. For more information visit our archives and the following websites.
- Wireless Information Network
- Americans for Responsible Technology
- Electromagnetic Radiation Safety
- Environmental Health Trust
- Physicians for Safe Technology
- Info
Top image: Pixabay
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