The Federal Communications Commission on Monday voted unanimously to open up 100 MHz of wireless spectrum to Wi-Fi use, which would increase the number of frequencies available to unlicensed wireless networks by 15 percent.

The airwaves in the 5 GHz band have always been unlicensed, but they’ve had much more stringent rules attached to them to prevent devices from interfering with other users, specifically government telemetry networks and Globalstar’s satellite ground links. But in 2013 the Defense Department said it no longer needed the band. Earlier this year Globalstar reached an agreement with the FCC, which would open the band up to both satellite and Wi-Fi use, clearing the way for today’s decision.

FCC Commissioners (L to R): Commissioner Ajit Pai, Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, Chairman Tom Wheeler, Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel and Commissioner Michael O’Rielly

There will still be some restrictions in how the band can be used by Wi-Fi…