Alphabet Inc.’s Google, Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms Inc. have received approval from US regulators to deploy a new range of mobile virtual- and augmented-reality devices. These devices include goggles and in-car connections. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made this decision in a unanimous 5-0 vote on Thursday. The gadgets will be allowed to utilize the airwaves utilized by Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel praised the decision, saying, “These are the airwaves where we can develop new wearable technologies. In other words, these are the airwaves where the future happens.”
The companies, including Apple, Meta, and Google, are all developing augmented reality eyeglasses. These glasses could utilize the 6 GHz band to establish connections with smartphones. Additionally, the companies mentioned in FCC filings that the 6 GHz band could also be used for exchanging navigation data between smartphones and vehicles.
“We commend the FCC’s decision allowing companies like ours to use new wireless technologies to build the next wave of computing,” said Kevin Martin, Vice President of North America Policy at Meta, in an emailed statement.
