NCC utilises 6 GHz spectrum to drive broadband growth
By Esther Adejoke
The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a stakeholders’ consultative forum on emerging technologies on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Lagos. The forum focused on utilizing the 6 GHz band (5925-7125 MHz) for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).
Engr. Abraham Oshadami, representing NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida, expressed enthusiasm for Nigeria’s telecommunications advancements.
Maida emphasised the critical need for collaboration among stakeholders, stating, “We must work together—licensees, industry operators, and consumers—to shape effective regulatory policies.”
He remarked, “As we face overcrowded airwaves that limit the effectiveness of Wi-Fi on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, it is encouraging to see that over 70 countries have opened the 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use.”
Maida highlighted that this decision could potentially increase available spectrum by two to three times, allowing for the implementation of 80 MHz and 160 MHz channels for the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, which is vital for supporting digital transformation and applications like high-definition video and extended reality (XR).
“Utilising the unlicensed 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi will significantly enhance Quality of Service (QoS) by offloading traffic from cellular networks,” he added. “This will alleviate capacity constraints in homes, offices, and public spaces.”
Maida also noted the recent outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23), which allocated the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi and IMT applications, saying, “This was the result of a long study cycle that culminated in our decisions at WRC-23 in Dubai.”
Engr. Atiku Lawal, Ag. Head of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, stated, “The Annual Stakeholders Forum is vital for gathering feedback and sharing knowledge on issues pertinent to our focus areas.”
He emphasised that using the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi would enhance QoS and relieve network capacity constraints, asserting, “This will help take pressure off our cellular networks.”
Lawal added, “Following the WRC outcomes, we will present various recommendations on using the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 and IMT applications. Our goal is to facilitate informed decisions that will yield maximum socioeconomic benefits.”
He reiterated that discussions about the 6 GHz band have been ongoing at International Telecommunications Union (ITU) conferences.
While commending the NCC’s initiatives, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), called on the Federal Government to assist operators in upgrading to the new spectrum.
”We need to ensure that the necessary support is provided for the sector as we transition into emerging technologies,” he stressed.
Represented by Gbolahan Awonuga, Executive Secretary of ALTON, Adebayo stated, “The ICT industry has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economy, and it is essential that this sector receives the support it deserves.”
“We are not immune to the challenging financial landscape. We require funding to upgrade our infrastructure and import necessary equipment to take full advantage of the 6 GHz band.”
Adebayo added, “We commend the NCC for this initiative and reaffirm our commitment to enhancing service delivery that will ultimately improve the Nigerian economy.”
