Reports: Raleigh on list for testing of new Google wireless initiative

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Raleigh is among 26 cities where Google wants to experiment with an emerging wireless technology that could deliver internet service at broadband speeds.

According to a variety of reports, Google has requested permission from the FCC for the tests in 6GHz spectrum to “produce technical information relevant to the utility of these frequencies for providing broadband connections.”

Google noted in heavily redacted filings that “material developments in markets [are] subject to competition from multiple U.S. and non-U.S. third parties.”

If approved, the tests will take place over the next two years.

Notes FoxBusiness: “The FCC opened the 6Ghz spectrum to unlicensed use for Wi-Fi in April, and the first Wi-Fi 6E consumer devices are expected to arrive later this year.”

However what Google has is mind is unclear.

“Google could have other uses for that 6GHz spectrum as well. Only recently did the FCC approve a plot of unlicensed 6GHz spectrum, and any number of things could take advantage of that. Wi-Fi 6E routers might run at 6GHz, as could vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and the latest 5G specifications suggest unlicensed 6GHz spectrum could even be used for 5G cellular networks. Google’s not limited to existing ideas, though — it’s called unlicensed spectrum for a reason,” reports The Verge.

Google Fiber already offers a wireless broadband service in a limited number of markets. It’s called Webpass.

Google’s Google Fiber operates in parts of the Triangle as well as in portions of Charlotte.

North Carolina is one of 17 states on the list.

9to5 Google says tests could take place in these cities.

According to 9to5Google, the company will test in these cities other than Raleigh: