In a landmark event that could redefine Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a decisive step towards the adoption of Wi-Fi 6 technology by exploring the utilization of the 6GHz spectrum band. This development was revealed at the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, held in Lagos on September 19, 2024. The event brought together key industry players, government officials, and technology experts to discuss the future of telecommunications in Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, delivered a speech at the event, underscoring the Commission’s dedication to modernizing Nigeria’s telecommunication infrastructure. The speech, delivered on his behalf by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, highlighted the Commission’s strategic roadmap and collaboration-driven regulatory approach aimed at elevating the nation’s telecom service delivery.
Dr. Maida noted the significance of this moment for Nigeria as the country moves toward adopting the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications, a leap forward in providing faster, more reliable internet access. “We are proud to be joining the league of countries utilizing the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6, which will open up new opportunities for growth, innovation, and digital transformation in Nigeria,” he stated.
Reflecting on the NCC’s strategic journey, Dr. Maida pointed out that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Commission has embraced a multi-faceted approach focused on stakeholders’ unique expectations, including licensees, industry operators, consumers, and the government. The NCC has identified five key pillars to drive its objectives: **people**, **collaboration**, **data**, **compliance**, and **digitalization**. These focus areas serve as the foundation for the Commission’s efforts to meet the growing demands for enhanced connectivity and telecommunication services across Nigeria.
“Guided by the Federal Government’s blueprint on knowledge policies, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, and trade, the NCC has been laying the groundwork to improve telecommunication services,” Dr. Maida stated. He emphasized that the Commission’s success relies heavily on fostering collaboration across all stakeholders, in line with global best practices.
Wi-Fi 6, built on the newly available 6GHz spectrum (spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz), represents a significant advancement in internet service provision. With the ever-growing demand for high-speed internet in homes, offices, and public spaces, the 6GHz band offers a solution to the congestion experienced with the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands used for Wi-Fi 5. “As the demand for capacity grows, it is essential to identify new frequency bands to complement the existing ones. The 6GHz band provides a critical boost in spectrum availability, which is needed for faster and more reliable connectivity,” Dr. Maida explained.
The EVC highlighted that Wi-Fi 6 is crucial for connecting homes, enterprises, and large-scale operations, offering improved reliability, higher data throughput, and lower latency, addressing the challenges currently faced by networks in handling vast amounts of data and numerous connected devices.
The adoption of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications was made possible following the recent 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The global telecommunications community, after a rigorous study cycle, recommended the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and IMT applications, recognizing its potential to alleviate the growing pressure on existing spectrum bands.
“Today, we present our thoughts and recommendations on the use of the 6GHz spectrum band and look forward to receiving your valuable feedback. This forum is a testament to our commitment to participatory regulation, ensuring that every voice is heard in shaping the future of Nigeria’s telecom sector,” Dr. Maida concluded.
The forum marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, as it seeks to align with global trends in emerging technologies. The stakeholders present welcomed the NCC’s initiative and looked forward to fruitful deliberations, expressing optimism that the adoption of the 6GHz band would pave the way for a new era of connectivity in Nigeria.
As the NCC charts the course for a more digitally connected Nigeria, this forum stands as a significant step in ensuring that the nation’s telecom infrastructure keeps pace with the rapid technological advancements shaping the global telecommunications landscape.
