The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced at the Annual Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies that, following the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) decisions, it will open the 6 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications to deepen internet access across Nigeria.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, emphasized the necessity of the expansion due to the current overload on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands used by Wi-Fi 5, which are no longer sufficient to meet the soaring demands for capacity. He underscored this strategic move as essential to enhancing telecommunication services nationwide.
The forum, attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Abdul Rahman Hassan Almuaini of the UAE Ministry of Economy, Zen Zanrong from the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, and several other executives, highlighted the significance of this spectrum release in promoting technological advancements within the region.
Dr. Maida explained that the 6GHz band will significantly increase the spectrum available, essential for supporting high-speed internet and advanced applications. This addition is critical for distributing fixed broadband connectivity in various settings, where Wi-Fi is a major conduit for internet traffic to end-users.
The discussions also covered the broader implications of this expansion, with Engr. Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at NCC, noting that over 70 countries are already opening or considering the 6GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use. This will allow the implementation of wider channels necessary for the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, supporting advanced uses like high-definition video and X Reality (XR) applications.
The session also included a plea from Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), for government support in funding the upgrades required for utilizing the new spectrum. This request was echoed by other leaders, pointing out the financial strains on operators aiming to expand their networks and improve infrastructure.
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), emphasized the critical role of the 6GHz band in future telecommunications growth and highlighted the need for balanced regulatory policies to support both licensed and unlicensed spectrum uses.
He advocated for policies that foster public-private partnerships, reduce regulatory hurdles, and support local ISPs, especially in underserved and rural areas, to ensure the equitable distribution of this technology without widening the digital divide.
The NCC’s initiative is poised to transform the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria by enhancing service delivery and enabling advanced technological applications through expanded Wi-Fi capabilities.