NCC seeks stakeholders’ input for 6GHz spectrum to boost internet speed
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday said it is seeking stakeholders’ input towards the launch of 6GHz spectrum for enhanced internet speed in Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services at NCC, Abraham Oshadami, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos.
The EVC said the 6 GHz spectrum remains a band of radio frequencies that offers several benefits for wireless communication, including faster data rates and transmission speeds than previous bands.
According to him, deploying this higher spectrum became necessary as the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands are facing capacity constraints, adding that the move would address the growing demand for high-speed internet and Nigeria would be joining the league of countries already utilizing part of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi -6 applications.
In his words: “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.”
“In line with one of the key factors on collaboration as outlined in our focus areas and the Commission’s traditionally institutionalized 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).”
“In line with global best practices, we sincerely believe that our actions must be guided by decisions that take into cognizance the inputs from all stakeholders in the industry. 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.”
Dr Maida recounted that the recently concluded 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) allocated the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and IMT applications with different recommendations on how to use the band, stressing that this was the outcome of a long study cycle process leading to the decision at the WRC-2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“Today, we present to you our thoughts and recommendations on the use of the Spectrum band to get your feedback for informed decision-making. I welcome you all and wish you a fruitful deliberation,” the EVC emphasized.
