The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology sought comment Friday on a waiver request by Vivint for doorbells that contain ultra-wideband transmitters operating in the 6-10 GHz band. The technology allows users to unlock a paired smart lock, “similar to other devices for which the Commission has previously granted waiver,” OET said. It uses a camera and facial recognition software “to confirm the identity of the person approaching before unlocking the door.” Comments are due Feb. 16, replies March 2, in docket 26-11.

Representatives of Cisco Systems and Hewlett Packard Enterprise met with the FCC last week to urge the agency to make a tweak to its draft 6 GHz order and further NPRM, which is set for a vote Jan. 29 (see 2601080066). According to a filing Friday in docket 18-295, the companies told an aide to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr that they're pleased with the item in general but want the commission to seek comment on “other updates to the FCC’s rules reflecting technological and business developments since the 6 GHz rules were adopted in 2020.” Some Wi-Fi use cases “may not have been considered specifically when the Commission adopted” those rules.

House Communications Subcommittee Democrats fulfilled expectations (see 2601130067) that they would spend much of a Wednesday FCC oversight hearing criticizing commission Chairman Brendan Carr over his media regulatory actions and his perceived devotion to only pleasing President Donald Trump. Republicans avoided those topics almost entirely and instead focused on praising Carr’s FCC tenure. Meanwhile, Carr continued to dodge what ended up being a bipartisan push to pin down his position on proposals to eliminate or ease the national TV station audience reach cap (see 2601140071).

The U.K.’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) announced Friday that it has decided to allow the use of outdoor and higher-power Wi-Fi devices in the lower 6 GHz band, provided that they're controlled by an automated frequency coordination system. Ofcom also said it plans to award mobile licenses in “high density” areas of the U.K. in the upper band. While it's a more constrained approach than the U.S., where all 1,200 MHz of the band is available for unlicensed use, Wi-Fi advocates told us that Ofcom’s policy calls were a victory for their side.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said at CES Thursday that making spectrum available for licensed and unlicensed use is critical to U.S. “geopolitical leadership.” When the U.S. frees up spectrum, "the world takes notice," he said, with jobs and innovators coming to the country and new devices and technology launching here first. “It’s really good for consumers.” Carr spoke during a fireside chat with Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro.

The FCC released a draft 6 GHz order and further NPRM Thursday, one of four items that Chairman Brendan Carr circulated Wednesday for votes at the Jan. 29 open meeting (see 2601070051). The FCC also released drafts of two orders that address foreign control of regulated entities and an NPRM that asks what, if anything, the FCC should do to ensure the continuation of IP relay service offerings that employ communications assistants.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said Wednesday that the agency will vote at its Jan. 29 meeting on an order that increases the level at which 6 GHz devices can operate while seeking to protect incumbents through geofencing. A second order on the agenda would establish new attestation and disclosure requirements for holders of agency licenses and other approvals.

Citing a need for more spectrum to keep up with mobile satellite service (MSS) competition, Iridium asked the FCC to update its rules for and give the satellite operator more access to the 1.6 GHz band, including spectrum used by Globalstar.

Lawmakers and other observers said in recent interviews that Congress’ deal to pass the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act without language giving the defense secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman authority to essentially veto commercial use of 3.1-3.45 GHz and 7.4-8.4 GHz bands (see 2512080055) will only temporarily pause fighting between the wireless industry and DOD supporters over military spectrum holdings. Officials pointed to President Donald Trump’s memorandum last week directing NTIA to explore reallocating federal systems currently on the 7.125-7.4 GHz band to the 7.4-8.4 GHz band and other frequencies (see 2512190086) as a fresh indicator that the ceasefire will be fleeting.

Industry officials continue weighing the net effect of Friday night's presidential memo on spectrum for full-power licensed use, though its overall importance appears to remain unclear. Federal agencies have already started lining up funding to do various band studies, as directed by the reconciliation package's goal of finding 800 MHz of midband spectrum for 6G, industry and federal officials said. The studies must gain approval as part of the spectrum relocation fund process by a technical panel made up of OMB, the FCC and NTIA.