Apple and other technology giants are calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to introduce a new WiFi band for new technology such as augmented reality and virtual reality goggles.
Last year, the FCC approved using the 6GHz band for “unlicensed use” meaning it could sit alongside 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands and be used for everyday consumer activities.
However, the cellular industry has pushed back in defense, the biggest reason being that some companies use the 6GHz band as a backhaul connection between smartphone base stations and the core mobile network.
Because some of these connections rely on point-to-point microwave links, allowing companies and individuals to access 6GHz could cause some interference, thus causing problems with 4G and other cellular connectivity.
However, in a new letter signed by companies such as Apple, Broadcom, Facebook, Google, HP, Intel, Marvell, Microsoft, and Qualcomm, the interference need not be a concern when used by Very Low Power (VLP) applications, such as mobile hotspots and other devices that will be used in short-range, such as at home.
Speaking of the request, the group said: “Future 5G services require wireless broadband portable devices.
“The Commission can ensure Americans enjoy the benefits of these next-generation wireless services by enabling a very low power portable device class.
“The 6 GHz band is ideal for enabling these services.
“The risk of harmful interference to incumbent operations from VLP devices is extremely low.”
Apple is widely rumored to be working on its own smart goggles for gaming or productivity purposes.
No release date has been given, though analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple Glasses could go into production later this year, set for a late-2019 or early-2020 release.
A conflicting report earlier this month, however, suggested that the project had been pulled entirely.
Would you be interested in Apple glasses? Let us know on Twitter via @AppleMagazine.
