The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with key industry stakeholders and experts, convened in Lagos on Thursday, September 19, 2024, for a groundbreaking event aimed at exploring the potential of the 6GHz frequency band to revolutionize Wi-Fi connectivity across the nation. This strategic forum, titled the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, sought to address the growing need for more efficient and accessible broadband services for homes, offices, and individuals in Nigeria.
The event was a significant step towards Nigeria’s adoption of Wi-Fi 6 applications, positioning the country among the global frontrunners in broadband connectivity. The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, delivered a compelling speech through the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, highlighting the Commission’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies for national development.
Dr. Maida emphasized that the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which took office in 2023, has been instrumental in repositioning the NCC towards realizing its strategic goals. “We took a decision to enhance opportunities for stakeholders, including licensed operators, consumers, and government entities, while recognizing their unique expectations from the Commission,” Dr. Maida said.
The EVC outlined key drivers of the Commission’s strategic initiatives, including collaboration, data, compliance, and digitalization. He noted that with the Federal Government’s policy blueprint focused on knowledge, infrastructure, innovation, and trade, the NCC has been actively driving forward measures to improve telecommunications services across the country.
One of the core areas discussed during the event was the use of the 6GHz frequency band, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This band offers a significant increase in available spectrum, crucial for meeting the surging demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications.
Dr. Maida emphasized the importance of participatory regulation and stakeholder consultations in the decision-making process. “Our actions must be guided by inputs from all stakeholders in the industry,” he said. The 6GHz band, he explained, has the potential to ease the growing congestion experienced with the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are increasingly overwhelmed due to rising capacity demands.
In homes and businesses, Wi-Fi serves as the backbone of fixed broadband distribution, handling vast amounts of data traffic. As demand for faster, more reliable connectivity grows, especially with the advent of smart homes, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and remote working, the need for more spectrum becomes critical. The 6GHz band is poised to offer improved reliability, faster data throughput, and lower latencies, ensuring seamless connectivity across multiple devices.
The forum also delved into the recommendations from the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) held in Dubai, where the 6GHz band was allocated for Wi-Fi and IMT applications. The NCC shared its proposals for using the spectrum and sought input from industry stakeholders to guide its decision-making process.
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The consultative event gathered notable experts, including Gbolahan Awonuga, Executive Secretary of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Professor Caroline Alenoghena, Telecommunications Engineering Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Sade Dada, Public Policy Manager, Anglophone West Africa for Meta; Efosa Idehen, Director of Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement at NCC; and Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).
In closing, Dr. Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to advancing broadband infrastructure and services in Nigeria. “With your feedback, we will take informed decisions that ensure Nigeria remains a leader in telecommunications innovation and service delivery,” he concluded.
The forum marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey as it embraces emerging technologies to support the country’s digital future.
