FCC opens up the spectrum, makes way for 1gig Wi-Fi

U.S. regulators are planning to open an additional 100MHz for Wi-Fi-enabled devices in the 5GHz band of spectrum. They also plan on removing indoor-only restrictions on Wi-Fi devices.







Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said: “This change will have real impact, because we are doubling the unlicensed bandwidth in the 5 GHz band overnight.”

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler added: "The FCC’s decision moves the U.S. closer to ending an old debate about the value of licensed spectrum versus unlicensed spectrum."

Also of note, the action produced another 65MHz of spectrum available for flexible use wireless services, including mobile broadband.

The Telecommunications Industry Association, praised the FCC’s spectrum actions and its president, Grant Seiffert, who said: “This is a watershed moment for American consumers who are tethered to their smartphones and tablets.”