NCC explores 6GHz band for internet use

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently announced its intention to open up the 6GHz spectrum (5925-7125 MHz) for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications, a critical move that aligns with the outcomes of the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23). This initiative aims to address growing demands for high-capacity internet services across Nigeria, particularly as the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi bands are becoming saturated.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized that the existing Wi-Fi bands are struggling to meet the increasing demand for bandwidth, a problem exacerbated by the proliferation of data-intensive applications and the expanding internet user base. This situation has led the NCC to identify the 6GHz band as a key alternative to support Wi-Fi 6, which offers greater reliability, higher data throughput, and lower latency, crucial for modern digital applications such as high-definition video streaming, gaming, and extended reality (XR).

The decision to allocate the 6GHz spectrum in Nigeria follows global trends. Over 70 countries, including the U.S. and EU member states, have either opened or are in the process of opening the 6GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use. This global shift reflects the increasing importance of the spectrum in supporting next-generation Wi-Fi standards, enabling faster internet speeds and more stable connections across various sectors.

At the NCC's Annual Stakeholders Consultative Forum, industry experts highlighted the technical and financial implications of this transition. Engr. Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at NCC, pointed out that Wi-Fi 6, operating on the newly allocated 6GHz band, would allow for the deployment of 80MHz and 160MHz channels, which are essential for high-bandwidth applications. This advancement could relieve pressure on cellular networks, improving overall Quality of Service (QoS) as more devices offload onto Wi-Fi networks in homes, businesses, and public spaces.

However, the transition to the 6GHz band is not without challenges. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), expressed concerns about the financial burden on telecom operators, who are already facing difficulties expanding their infrastructure. He urged the Federal Government to provide financial support, noting that operators require significant investment to upgrade their systems to accommodate the new spectrum.

Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), echoed these concerns. He emphasized that smaller Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may struggle to compete for high-cost licensed spectrum but could benefit from the unlicensed spectrum provided by Wi-Fi 6. Supporting these smaller ISPs, especially in rural areas, could play a pivotal role in closing the digital divide by providing affordable, high-speed internet to underserved regions.

Deploying services on the 6GHz band will require extensive collaboration between the public and private sectors, with policy frameworks that lower infrastructure costs and streamline regulatory processes. Reduced Right of Way (RoW) charges, simplified regulations, and targeted investments will be crucial for the successful rollout of the 6GHz spectrum in Nigeria.

The deployment of Wi-Fi 6 and IMT services promises to revolutionize Nigeria's digital landscape, particularly by bringing high-speed, low-latency internet to rural and underserved areas. However, as Emoekpere stressed, it is vital that the NCC ensures affordability and consumer protection to prevent the widening of the digital divide. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on inclusive policies that foster broad access to this technology, ensuring it benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

In summary, the deployment of the 6GHz spectrum in Nigeria represents a significant step towards addressing the country’s internet capacity challenges. Still, it requires concerted efforts from government, industry stakeholders, and regulators to ensure equitable access, financial sustainability, and technological readiness.