The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is taking a major step towards enhancing broadband access across Nigeria by exploring the use of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications. This was revealed during the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, held in Lagos on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The event brought together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss how the 6GHz spectrum can be utilized to improve Wi-Fi connectivity, making broadband more accessible to individuals, homes, and businesses nationwide.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Commission highlighted its commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to expand internet services. Dr. Maida emphasized that this effort aligns with the strategic goals set forth by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to promote digitalization, innovation, and infrastructure development.
“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of discussions on utilizing part of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6, joining the league of nations embracing this technology for enhanced broadband service delivery,” Dr. Maida said.
The 6GHz band, which spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, has been identified as critical for meeting the rising demand for high-speed internet services and advanced applications. While the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands used for Wi-Fi are becoming overwhelmed, the 6GHz spectrum offers increased capacity and faster data throughput, addressing the growing need for reliable internet, particularly in homes and enterprise environments.
Wi-Fi is a significant driver of broadband distribution in Nigeria, with most home internet traffic relying on Wi-Fi connections. Enterprises also depend heavily on Wi-Fi to handle large volumes of data and connect numerous devices simultaneously. However, with the rise in internet usage, the existing Wi-Fi bands are struggling to keep up, prompting the need for additional frequency bands like the 6GHz spectrum.
“The 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands used for Wi-Fi are becoming overwhelmed due to increasing demand. It is imperative that we identify additional frequency bands to complement these, and the 6GHz band is a perfect candidate,” Dr. Maida noted.
The forum also acknowledged the outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai, where the 6GHz band was allocated for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications. The NCC is now gathering feedback from stakeholders to inform its decision on how best to implement the spectrum band in line with global standards.
The event provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to offer input, which will shape the Commission’s final policy on the use of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications in Nigeria. The EVC concluded by reiterating the importance of collaboration with industry players and the Commission’s commitment to making informed, participatory regulatory decisions that benefit all stakeholders.
The forum marks a critical step towards improving Nigeria’s digital landscape and ensuring that broadband services become more accessible, reliable, and efficient for all Nigerians.