WBA launches AFC platform for 6 GHz wi-Fi deployment
Wireless Broadband Alliance Services has announced the commercial launch of its Automated Frequency Coordination service, enabling standard power Wi-Fi deployments in the 6 GHz spectrum in the United States.
The newly launched platform, named WBA Services AFC, is certified by the US Federal Communications Commission and operates via the cloud. It supports the deployment of standard power Wi-Fi devices across the 5.925–7.125 GHz band. The platform is designed to protect existing users of this spectrum, such as fixed microwave and radio astronomy operations, from interference.
The service reflects Wireless Broadband Alliance Services' objective to improve wireless connectivity by utilising the additional 6 GHz spectrum made available. The company has stated that enabling standard power devices on this band provides a key enabler for enterprise networking, smart city projects, industrial IoT usage, and immersive experiences involving augmented and virtual reality.
Improved spectrum efficiency is expected to assist infrastructure and service providers, as well as businesses and consumers seeking reliable broadband and low-latency access in environments ranging from homes and offices to stadiums and public spaces.
The WBA Services AFC employs the OpenAFC open-source specification to deliver dynamic management of frequencies and transmission power. This capability allows infrastructure manufacturers, service providers, and enterprises to comply with regulatory rules while optimising spectrum use and device performance according to real-time, local conditions.
Tiago Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer of Wireless Broadband Alliance Services, said: "As the demand for high-speed, low-latency wireless connectivity grows, the 6 GHz band represents a critical resource. Our AFC service empowers the ecosystem to harness this band responsibly and effectively. This is another great example of how WBA members' work on AFC and across our working groups is leading the industry, driving new innovations and business opportunities for Wi-Fi technologies including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 in a wide range of industrial, commercial and consumer use cases."
The Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) framework forms the basis for enabling outdoor and standard power Wi-Fi operations in the 6 GHz band. Through this system, devices interact directly with the WBA Services AFC to determine which frequencies and power levels are available at the installed location. This allows for dynamic, interference-free use of the spectrum, benefitting enterprise campuses, public venues and high-density urban populations, without the need for additional spectrum licences.
The company has highlighted several features of the service. These include cloud-based spectrum coordination with in-field device updates, compliance with the Open AFC Specification for regulatory adherence, and dynamic channel and power assignments tailored to specific device locations and their environment.
Alongside the core AFC offering, WBA Services is rolling out additional support and consulting services. These range from engineering support for interference incident response to access point deployment planning, which includes site surveys and risk assessment. The company also offers customised software and simulation tools to assist with network performance, deployment optimisation and further mitigation of interference risks.
The process for device operation with WBA Services AFC involves a sequence of steps. First, a standard-power device or proxy determines its precise location. This information, alongside other technical details, is communicated to WBA Services AFC. The platform then assesses its database of licensed incumbents and calculates the available frequencies at that site. Devices are subsequently authorised to transmit on approved frequencies and at designated power levels. To maintain compliance and spectrum integrity, devices are required to recheck with the AFC system at least once per day.
Wireless Broadband Alliance Services, operating independently from the Wireless Broadband Alliance, positions its AFC service for infrastructure manufacturers, network operators, and enterprise customers that rely on secure, high-performance wireless connectivity for both business and consumer applications.
