Google prepares to test secret 6GHz network in several US states, according to a number of 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 “dexport radio experiments in and near the 6GHz band (5650 MHz – 7125 MHz)” in selected cities in each of these states. Google asks for an or two cities in every state, with the exception of California, where it plans to conduct trials 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 as the FCC opened a comeye spectrum in the 6GHz band for unlicensed uses in April. Some companies have expressed concerns that existing infrastructure could be affected, and for that 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 is not clear why Google is asking permission to experiment with the 6GHz band, but since the company is already involved in other internet services with Fiber, Nest and Stadia, it certainly has every incentive to improve Wi-Fi standards.
