NCC takes bold step to harness 6GHz Spectrum for faster internet

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its plan to utilize the 6GHz spectrum, a key move aimed at enhancing internet speed and addressing the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity in the country.

This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos.

Dr. Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, emphasized the need to explore higher spectrum frequencies, as the existing 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands are nearing capacity limits.

“The 6GHz band, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, will significantly increase the available spectrum, which is crucial for meeting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications,” Maida stated.

The 6GHz spectrum, widely recognized for its ability to support faster data rates and better transmission speeds, is already being deployed in many countries for Wi-Fi 6 applications. Nigeria’s decision to adopt this technology places it in the ranks of over 70 nations already leveraging this band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use.

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Wi-Fi 6, which will be powered by the 6GHz band, is expected to revolutionize how Nigerians access the internet, particularly in high-demand environments such as stadiums, airports, and offices. It will offer improved reliability, higher data throughput, and lower latencies, making it ideal for homes, businesses, and public spaces where multiple devices connect simultaneously.

Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, highlighted that the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands have become overcrowded, limiting their potential.

“By opening up the 6GHz band, we are essentially doubling or even tripling the available spectrum, allowing for the implementation of wider channels that will support high-definition video streaming, virtual reality (XR), and other data-intensive applications,” Lawal said.

Lawal further noted that this spectrum will alleviate the pressure on cellular networks by offloading devices onto Wi-Fi 6, which will not only improve the quality of service but also enhance broadband penetration across the country.

The initiative has received praise from industry leaders. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), applauded the NCC’s efforts but appealed to the Federal Government for financial support to help operators upgrade their infrastructure.

 “Our members are struggling to expand their networks due to financial constraints. We need government assistance to upgrade our systems to benefit from the 6GHz spectrum,” Adebayo said.

Global industry organizations such as the GSMA have also endorsed the 6GHz spectrum for mobile use, emphasizing its potential to unlock a future of high-speed connectivity and drive economic growth worldwide.

With mobile data consumption on the rise, the 6GHz band will play a crucial role in delivering the speeds needed for 5G and future technological advancements.

By tapping into the 6GHz spectrum, the NCC is positioning Nigeria to not only keep up with global trends but also provide its citizens with faster, more reliable internet services, supporting the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.