The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has begun the process of making available high-speed internet and advanced applications Wi-Fi which can be possible through the deployment of a 6GHz band, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz.
Independent News Express reports that Nigeria is currently using 5GHz and 2.4GHz which are being used for Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5).
This according to the NCC cannot serve the ever-growing demands of the Nigerian telecom users.
“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,” Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies hosted by the Commission in Lagos on Thursday.
Represented by Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the NCC boss emphasized the importance of the country embracing the new 6GHZ, saying ‘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 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,” Maida told the Forum.
While explaining the reasons the NCC finds it important to dialogue with cross sections of stakeholders in the Nigerian telecom industry, the NCC boss said: “In line with one of the key factors on collaboration as outlined in our focus areas and the Commission’s traditionally institutionalized policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in conducting its regulatory functions, we are here again to elicit your comments and inputs on the use of the 6GHz for Wi-Fi – 6 and International Mobile Telecommunications (MT).
“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 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.
“Today (Thursday), we present to you our thoughts and recommendations on the use of the Spectrum band to get your feedback for informed decision-making.”
