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, Thursday September 19, 2024.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC is currently rallying industry stakeholders towards the roll out of part of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi -6 applications in line with the management’s vision to reposition the Commission on a path that will ensures the uptake of opportunities through its strategic focus areas.

Speaking at the annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies, held in Lagos, Thursday, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, noted that the 6GHz band, which spans 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.

According to the CEO, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner of the NCC, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments.

He however, noted that the 5GHz and 2.4GHz that are currently used for Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5), are becoming overwhelmed due to an increase in demand for capacity, a development that makes it imperative to identify other frequency bands to complement the 5GHz and 2.4GHz.

Dr Maida noted that in line with international best practices and in tandem with the Commission’s policy of participatory regulation, it convened the stakeholders’ forum to solicit their input across board towards such a landmark development.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to this historic event where Nigeria is set to join the league of countries already utilising part of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi -6 applications. I am particularly glad to be associated with this process  because when the Government of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  GCFR brought us on board in the year 2023, we took a decision to reposition the  Commission on a path that will ensure the uptake of opportunities through our  strategic focus areas which is driven by the recognition that each of our  stakeholders whether it is our Licensees & Industry operators , Consumers or  Government maintains  unique perspective and have certain expectations of  as  the Commission.

“To accomplish our objectives in driving our strategic goals, the Commission identified some key factors, which include people, collaboration data, compliance, and Digitalisation. Guided by our actions in the right direction and, of course, that of the Federal Government through the Minister’s Strategic Blueprint centered around knowledge policies, infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship and Capital as well trade, we have been able to set the ball rolling to enhance telecommunication service delivery in Nigeria.

“In line with one of the key factors on collaboration as outlined in our focus areas and the Commission’s traditionally institutionalised 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”, Maida sad. 

He further noted that in line with global best practices, the Commission sincerely believes that its actions must be guided by decisions that take into cognizance the inputs from all stakeholders in the industry. 

On the need to deploy the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi -6 applications, the NCC-boss said: “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. However, 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.

“The recently concluded 2023 World Radio Communications 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.”