The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) won the first round in a fight with AT&T and utility industry groups over plans to open spectrum the regulator claims is needed to boost the Wi-Fi sector.

A court dismissed a legal challenge by the operator and industry associations seeking to delay the FCC’s plan to open the 6GHz band for unlicensed use, a decision Chairman Ajit Pai hailed as “great news for consumers” in a tweet.

The FCC chief added access to all 1200MHz of the band meant consumers “stand to benefit from super-fast” Wi-Fi services.

AT&T and several utility associations led by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) earlier this year filed separate legal challenges, which were later consolidated, asking a court to stay execution of the scheme until their case was heard.

The operator aims to ensure a portion of the band remains licensed, while the utilities are concerned about potential interference.

However, the court determined the criteria for a stay had not been met, and also denied a separate request asking it to expedite the case.