Tech Players Say Coordination in 6 GHz Doesn't Have to Be Complex

Automated frequency coordination (AFC) in the 6 GHz band doesn’t need to be complex to be effective, tech companies told the FCC. Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, Facebook, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Qualcomm and Ruckus signed a letter, posted Friday in docket 18-295. The companies argue AFC should be reserved for standard-power devices operating indoors and outdoors. “Unnecessarily burdensome AFC requirements could greatly increase the cost of AFC implementations, delaying the availability of AFC-controlled devices, limiting innovation, and driving up costs for consumers,” the companies said: “Our companies strongly support the Commission’s long history of light-touch, technology-neutral and innovation-friendly decision-making, especially with respect to unlicensed operations.” Rules should be targeted and concise and “emphasize security and robust interference protection," they said.