Google is preparing to test a secret 6GHz network in several states on USA, according to a number of listings of the FCC identified by Business Insider.
The company has sought government approval to experiment with next-generation Wi-Fi technology in dozens of states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
The plan is to "conduct radio experiments in and near the 6GHz band (5650 MHz - 7125 MHz)" in selected cities in each of these states. Google is requesting one or two cities in each state, with the exception of California, where it plans to conduct tests in seven cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"Google is proposing experimental broadband testing in the 6GHz band to generate technical information about the usefulness of these frequencies for providing reliable broadband connections," the company said in a statement.
The request came when the FCC opened a bandwidth band in the 6GHz band for unlicensed uses in April. Some companies have expressed concern that existing infrastructure may be affected, which is why Google promises that its tests will be performed "without harmful interference to other authorized users".
The new technology is expected to deliver faster internet speeds by more than doubling available Wi-Fi frequencies, but don't expect to see anything too soon. Google asked for 24 months to play with networks of 6GHz.
It's not clear why Google is asking for permission to experiment with the 6GHz band, but since the company is already involved in other services with Fiber, Nest and Stadia, it certainly has every incentive to improve Wi-Fi standards.