Google has requested permission from FCC to conduct secret wireless broad tests using the 6GHz spectrum in multiple cities all over the US, according to a document spotted by Business Insider. It wants to conduct an experimental propagation testing in the 6GHz band to find out if the frequencies can provide reliable broadband connections. That could point to future internet services using the spectrum, possibly under its new Fiber WebPass banner.
Google wanted information in the public document redacted, saying that “if subject to public disclosure, would cause significant commercial, economic, and competitive harm.” It made the application for multiple cities in 17 states, California, Arizona, Florida, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, Kansas, Iowa, Nevada, Kansas, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon, Utah, and Virginia. In California, it plans to test in seven cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The FCC unlocked a lot of unlicensed 6GHz spectrum recently that could be used for 5G, Wifi vehicle-to-vehicle connections, IoT, and more. They frequently give access to potentially faster wireless connections than 5GHz used for Wifi but will be limited to even shorter distances. The company revealed that it will conduct its tests over 24 months “without harmful interference to other authorized users.”
Google could be performing the tests for other devices, but wireless internet seems the most likely given the broadband mention. In addition to that, it has been looking to tap unused bandwidth since 2014 for “last mile” connections and has already launched WebPass wireless in a number of cities.
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