The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it has initiated steps to tap into the 6GHz spectrum to boost the internet speed across the country.
This announcement was made during a stakeholders Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos, by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami.
Maida explained that the 6GHz band offers much faster data rates and transmission speeds, making it a key resource for Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. He emphasized that this shift to a higher spectrum is crucial as existing bands, such as 5GHz and 2.4GHz, are facing capacity limitations due to increasing data demand.
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In his words,
“The 6GHz band, spanning 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. Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments.
“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 throughout, and lower latencies”.
Also speaking, the Head of Spectrum Administration, Atiku Lawal added that the overcrowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are currently restricting Wi-Fi’s potential. He disclosed that the introduction of the 6GHz spectrum is expected to increase the available spectrum two to three times over current levels.
This additional capacity accordig to him, will allow for the implementation of 80MHz and 160MHz channels, which are crucial for the new Wi-Fi 6 standard. This technology will support emerging use cases such as high-definition video streaming and X Reality (XR) applications, driving digital transformation in Nigeria.
In his words,
“The commission’s decision to open the 6GHz frequency and for unlicensed WHA use is poised to revolutionize broadband connectivity in Nigeria. This move will significantly enhance internet services, providing faster and more reliable connections. With the advent of Wi-Fi 6, users can expect higher data rates and increased capacity, making it ideal for high-demand environments such as airports, and offices.”
He added that by offloading devices from cellular networks to Wi-Fi 6, the NCC aims to improve overall quality of service, alleviating capacity constraints and boosting broadband penetration in Nigeria.
The NCC’s decision to open the 6GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use is expected to revolutionize broadband connectivity in the country, providing faster and more reliable internet services. The adoption of Wi-Fi 6 will be particularly beneficial in high-demand environments.