NCC, industry leaders explore adoption of 6GHz open Wi-Fi for economic growth

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with industry giants such as Meta, Intel, Huawei, and ATCON, convened a stakeholder forum in Lagos this week to discuss the adoption of the 6GHz Open Wi-Fi.

This initiative aims to develop people-centered policies that enhance the economic success of Nigerians through improved internet access.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman and CEO of NCC, emphasized the commission’s pivotal role in decision-making and the importance of high-speed internet for economic development.

He underscored the necessity for stakeholder input in shaping policies, particularly concerning the 6GHz band, which ranges from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz.

This spectrum is expected to significantly meet the rising demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications, particularly as Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in providing broadband connectivity across various environments.

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Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at NCC, highlighted the government’s intent to reposition the commission to capitalize on opportunities through collaboration, data compliance, and digitalization.

He noted that as the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies become increasingly congested, exploring additional bands like 6GHz is essential for managing large data volumes and connecting multiple devices reliably.

Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON, stressed the significance of proper spectrum allocation and infrastructure investment for consumer benefits and digital inclusion.

He urged Nigeria to align its policies with international standards for deploying IMT and Wi-Fi 6 technologies, which can provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved areas. Emoekpere advocated for equitable technology access and affordability for consumers.

Meta’s Fargani Tambeayuk, Director of Public Policy for Francophone Africa, commended the NCC for achieving a remarkable 66% growth in internet traffic over the past year.

He cited Nigeria’s $2 billion fiber-optics project as a vital step in enhancing connectivity, asserting that the adoption of 6GHz technology will drive economic prosperity.

Judith Okonkwo of Imisi 3D Creation shared insights on the benefits of Real-time Remote Assistance (RRA), which facilitates immediate support through live video and chat, improving efficiency across various sectors such as manufacturing and education.

Engr. Prof. Caroline Alenoghena from the Federal University of Minna discussed the advantages of leveraging the 6GHz spectrum, including increased wireless capacity and enhanced telemedicine capabilities.

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She urged for spectrum studies, pilot projects, and investment incentives to encourage international partners to support Nigeria’s adoption of the 6GHz band.

Daniel Obam from Huawei pointed out the challenges facing Nigeria’s transmission network, citing a national fiber penetration rate of approximately 19%, compared to over 60% in Europe.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to boost its infrastructure capacity to maximize the benefits of 6GHz technology.

Finally, Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo from Intel affirmed that extensive technical studies have shown that wireless access systems can effectively operate within the 6GHz band without disrupting existing services.

He encouraged Nigeria to open parts of the 6GHz band to promote innovation and connectivity, aligning with global trends.