The nation’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set the ball rolling in its plan to auction the 6GHz Spectrum Band as it bids to ease the demand on wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) internet in the country. This will complement the 5GHz and 2.4GHz that is currently in use.
Speaking at a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies hosted by the Commission in Lagos on Thursday, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, in opening, stated: “It is my pleasure to welcome you to this historic event where Nigeria is set to join the league of countries already utilizing part of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi -6 applications.”
Dr. Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, further noted the purpose of the spectrum. “The 6GHz band, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, which is crucial for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments.”
The Commission explained that the vast majority of home internet traffic is connected to the end-user through Wi-Fi. In enterprise settings, Wi-Fi is essential for handling large amounts of data and simultaneously connecting large numbers of devices with improved reliability, higher data throughput, and lower latencies. The EVC said noted that the 5GHz and 2.4GHz that are being used for Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5) at the moment are becoming overwhelmed due to an increase in demand for capacity. “It is, therefore, imperative to identify other frequency bands to complement the 5GHz and 2.4GHz.
In line with global best practices, we sincerely believe that our actions must be guided by decisions that take into cognizance the inputs from all stakeholders in the industry.”
The Stakeholders Forum buttressed one of the key factors on collaboration as outlined in NCC’s focus areas and the Commission’s traditionally institutionalized policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in conducting its regulatory functions. The Forum sought stakeholders comments and inputs on the use of the 6GHz for Wi-Fi – 6 and International Mobile Telecommunications (MT).
Dr. Maida noted that the decision was guided by the Commission’s quest to take actions in the right direction and that of the Federal Government through the Strategic Blueprint of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, centered around knowledge policies, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and Capital as well as Trade. “We have been able to set the ball rolling to enhance telecommunication service delivery in Nigeria. Therefore, to accomplish our objectives in driving our strategic goals, the Commission identified some key factors, which include people, collaboration data, compliance, and Digitalization. ”
The EVC further noted that the recently concluded 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) allocated the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and IMT applications with different recommendations on how to use the band. “This was the outcome of a long study cycle process leading to the decision at the WRC-2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,” he affirmed.
