As the world aims to switch to a faster Wi-Fi network soon, Google is reportedly testing a 6GHz network in 17 different states in the US. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in April opened up spectrum in the 6GHz band for unlicensed use the way 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands which are currently in operations.
Businesses Insider spotted a batch of FCC filings from Google, revealing it wants to experiment with the 6GHz spectrum to “produce technical information relevant to the utility of these frequencies for providing reliable broadband connections.” The company wanted the information in the document redacted, stating that “if subject to public disclosure, would cause significant commercial, economic, and competitive harm.”
The tests are expected to take place over 24 months “without harmful interference to other authorized users” in 26 cities and towns across 17 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. California will be home to seven of the planned test cities, which include San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Devices are expected to begin supporting 6GHz Wi-Fi by the end of this year. Wi-Fi 6E brings a common industry name for Wi-Fi users to identify devices that will offer the features and capabilities of Wi-Fi 6 – including higher performance, lower latency, and faster data rates extended into the 6GHz band.
According to Wi-Fi Alliance, Wi-Fi 6E devices are expected to become available quickly following 6GHz regulatory approvals, utilising this additional spectrum capacity to deliver continuous Wi-Fi innovation and valuable contributions to consumers, businesses and economies.
