The Nigerian Communications Commission has initiated efforts to utilize the 6GHz spectrum to enhance internet speed in Nigeria.
This disclosure was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida at a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos on Thursday, according to Nairametrics.
The 6GHz spectrum offers advantages such as faster data rates and improved transmission speeds compared to the currently used 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, which are experiencing capacity issues.
Maida emphasized that deploying the 6GHz spectrum is essential due to capacity constraints in the existing 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands.
Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services at NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said the move would address the growing demand for high-speed internet.
Maida noted that by adopting the 6GHz spectrum, Nigeria would join other countries already leveraging this band for Wi-Fi 6 applications, enhancing wireless connectivity and internet performance.
“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 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,” Maida said.
Meanwhile, the Head, of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, Atiku Lawal stated that overcrowded airwaves are currently restricting the potential of Wi-Fi in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, highlighting the need for the transition to the 6GHz spectrum to alleviate these limitations.
Lawal said that it was not a surprise that more than seventy countries had already acted, or were considering acting on opening the 6GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use.
He noted that depending on the country’s implementation plan, this decision could offer two to three times the spectrum currently available, significantly enhancing wireless capacity and performance.
This shift is expected to facilitate the implementation of 80MHz and 160MHz channels for the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, which is ideal for supporting digital transformation efforts and use cases such as high-definition video and extended reality (XR).
“The commission’s decision to open the 6GHz frequency band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use is poised to revolutionize broadband connectivity in Nigeria.
“This move will significantly enhance internet services, providing faster and more reliable connections. With the advent of Wi-Fi 6, users can expect higher data rates and increased capacity, making it ideal for high-demand environments such as stadiums, airports and offices,” he said.
He added that by offloading devices from cellular networks to Wi-Fi 6, the NCC aims to enhance overall quality of service, reduce capacity constraints, and increase broadband penetration in Nigeria.
The GSMA, a global industry organization for mobile network operators, recently urged governments to allocate the 6GHz spectrum for mobile use.
