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Proposed Rule2026-034202026-02-20

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

Federal Communications Commission

Abstract

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.

Action & Dates

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

CFR References

Topics

Communications equipmentRadio

Public Comment

Comments Close
2026-03-23

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Federal Communications Commission 47 CFR Part 15 [ET Docket No. 18-295, GN Docket No. 17-183; FCC 26-1; FR ID 331554] AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: 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. DATES: Comments are due on or bef

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Related Documents

Other Federal Register documents from the same docket.

Full Document

Citation: 91 FR 8173