NCC Affirms Plans for Enhanced Connectivity, As Nigeria Set to Utilize 6GHz Band for Wi-Fi 6 Applications

NCC Affirms Plans for Enhanced Connectivity, As Nigeria Set to Utilize 6GHz Band for Wi-Fi 6 Applications

At the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced plans for enhanced connectivity nationwide as the nation inches towards leveraging the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman EVC/CEO of the NCC, emphasized the significance of this development in advancing the nation’s telecommunications landscape.

He noted that since the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in 2023, the NCC has been focused on repositioning itself to maximize opportunities within the telecommunications sector.

THECONSCIENCE NG reported that the EVC who was represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, outlined the Commission’s strategic focus areas, which prioritize the unique perspectives and expectations of its stakeholders, including licensees, industry operators, consumers, and government entities.

He stated: “Key factors driving the NCC’s strategic objectives include people, collaboration, data, compliance, and digitalization. By aligning its efforts with the Federal Government’s Strategic Blueprint, the NCC is working to enhance telecommunications service delivery across Nigeria.

“A significant focus of the forum was on the use of the 6GHz band, which spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz. This band offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, critical for meeting the rising demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications. Dr. Maida highlighted the importance of Wi-Fi in delivering fixed broadband connectivity in various environments, noting that home internet traffic predominantly relies on Wi-Fi networks.”

He added: “With the current Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5) operating on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands becoming increasingly congested, the introduction of the 6GHz band is seen as essential for complementing existing frequencies.

“The recent World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) allocated the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications, paving the way for Nigeria’s adoption of this critical technology.”

Dr. Maida expressed the NCC’s commitment to participatory regulation and the importance of industry-wide consultations in regulatory functions. The forum aimed to gather feedback from stakeholders regarding the use of the 6GHz band, ensuring that decisions are informed by comprehensive input from the telecommunications community.

“As Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey towards enhanced connectivity, the NCC encourages all stakeholders to engage in fruitful discussions that will shape the future of telecommunications in the country.

“With this initiative, Nigeria is poised to join the ranks of countries already utilizing the 6GHz band, marking a significant step forward in achieving a more robust and efficient telecommunications infrastructure,” he noted.