The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is gearing up to deploy the 6GHz spectrum in Nigeria.
The move is intended to expand access to Wi-Fi technology and improve the country’s digital infrastructure.
This announcement was made by Aminu Maida, the executive vice-chairman of the NCC, at a consultative engagement forum in Lagos on Thursday.
The forum, titled ‘The Use of 6GHz (5925-7125 MHz) for WiFi and IMT Applications in Nigeria’, focused on the efficient management and utilization of spectrum resources.
Maida was represented by Abraham Oshadami, the executive commissioner of technical services at the NCC.
Maida explained that existing spectrums such as 5G and 2G are becoming overcrowded, and there is a pressing need to introduce new frequency bands.
“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,” Maida said.
He noted that Wi-Fi has become integral to providing broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and other environments.
The NCC’s plan to introduce the 6GHz band would relieve the pressure on the current Wi-Fi frequencies, 5GHz and 2.4GHz, which are becoming overwhelmed by increasing demand.
“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 connecting large numbers of devices simultaneously, with improved reliability, higher data throughput, and lower latencies,” Maida added.
The growing digital economy in Nigeria has led to increased internet usage, causing congestion in the present Wi-Fi frequencies.
According to Maida, introducing the 6GHz spectrum will significantly enhance the country’s internet capabilities, especially in handling advanced applications like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which the existing spectrums cannot support efficiently.
Maida emphasized the necessity of the new frequency, stating that “it is imperative to identify other frequency bands to complement the 5GHz and 2.4GHz.” With the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, the 6GHz spectrum will open up more capacity, allowing people to connect seamlessly.
One of the most significant advantages of this new frequency, according to Maida, is that it will be unlicensed, meaning it will be free for users.
This would potentially reduce the cost of accessing Wi-Fi in the long run, benefiting both individuals and businesses across Nigeria.
Caroline Alenoghena, a professor of telecommunications engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, spoke at the forum and echoed Maida’s sentiments.
She stressed the importance of introducing the new spectrum, particularly to address the current congestion in Wi-Fi frequencies.
Alenoghena pointed out that the new 6GHz band would not only ease pressure on existing spectrums but also create opportunities for growth in Nigeria’s digital sector.
“This spectrum will create opportunities for start-ups to grow, especially in providing digital services,” she remarked.
The professor added that this move could spur innovation and technological advancement, especially among smaller tech companies.
Tony Emoekpere, president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), also weighed in on the significance of the 6GHz spectrum for the industry.
Emoekpere stated that if properly allocated, the spectrum would allow for the deployment of diverse technologies, potentially democratizing access to both urban and rural areas.
“The 6G spectrum, if properly allocated, will allow more diverse technologies to be deployed. It will also democratize access to the urban, semi-rural, and rural areas,” Emoekpere said.
However, he also noted that the deployment of this new spectrum is not without challenges.
Infrastructure requirements, the level of investment needed, and competing technologies still in development could pose potential hurdles.
“Foreseeable challenges are things like infrastructure requirements, the whole of investment that’s required, and competing technologies,” he explained.
The ATCON president described the forum as a standard practice in the industry to ensure that stakeholders are consulted when new technologies, licenses, and policies are being developed.
This practice, according to Emoekpere, helps ensure the effective and inclusive deployment of new technologies.
The introduction of the 6GHz spectrum in Nigeria is expected to have far-reaching effects on the country’s digital landscape. It will provide a substantial boost to internet access and quality, particularly in areas where current Wi-Fi frequencies are under strain. The 6GHz spectrum will also be a game-changer for businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on internet connectivity for operations.
In the digital age, fast and reliable internet access is a critical driver of economic growth. The deployment of the 6GHz spectrum could lead to increased productivity, foster innovation, and attract investment in Nigeria’s tech sector.
The NCC’s initiative is a forward-thinking response to the growing demands of a tech-driven society.
The 6GHz spectrum is expected to transform Nigeria’s internet infrastructure, providing faster, more reliable Wi-Fi access to homes and businesses.
For industries that rely on data-intensive applications, the additional capacity offered by the 6GHz band will be a welcome development.
