Nigeria Embraces 6GHz Band For Wi-Fi 6 Applications

L-R: Executive Secretary, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbolahan Awonuga; Professor of Telecommunications Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Caroline Alenoghena; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Abraham Oshadami; Public Policy Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Meta, Sade Dada; Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, NCC, Efosa Idehen and President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies hosted by the Commission in Lagos on Thursday (September 19, 2024).

In a historic move, Nigeria is set to join the league of countries utilizing the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications. This announcement was made at the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, held on September 19, 2024, in Lagos. The speech, delivered by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, highlighted the strategic steps taken by the Commission to enhance telecommunication services in Nigeria.

Dr. Maida expressed his pleasure in welcoming industry stakeholders to this significant event, emphasizing the importance of the 6GHz band, which spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz. This band offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, crucial for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications. He noted that Wi-Fi plays a vital role in distributing fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments.

The EVC underscored the importance of collaboration, data, compliance, and digitalization in achieving the Commission’s strategic goals. He acknowledged the unique perspectives and expectations of various stakeholders, including licensees, industry operators, consumers, and the government. Dr. Maida highlighted the Federal Government’s support through the Ministers Strategic Blueprint, which focuses on knowledge policies, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, capital, and trade.

The speech also addressed the challenges faced by the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, which are becoming overwhelmed due to increased demand for capacity. The recently concluded 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) allocated the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications, providing recommendations on its usage.

Dr. Maida invited stakeholders to provide their comments and inputs on the use of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 and IMT applications. He emphasized that the NCC’s actions are guided by decisions that consider the inputs from all industry stakeholders, in line with global best practices.

The forum concluded with a call for fruitful deliberations, as Nigeria takes a significant step towards enhancing its telecommunication service delivery through the adoption of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications.