…As Operators Call for Support in Network Expansion
By Bunmi Yekini
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the opening of the 6GHz frequency band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use, a significant move aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country. This decision, revealed during the Annual Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos, marks Nigeria’s entry into a growing league of nations utilizing the 6GHz band to meet increasing demand for high-speed internet.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, emphasized the need to relieve congestion on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands currently in use. He highlighted the potential of the new band, which spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, to boost broadband capacity. “The 6GHz band offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, crucial for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications,” he said, as conveyed by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Technical Services.
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Engr. Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at NCC, noted the global trend, with over 70 countries already acting to open the 6GHz band. “This decision will provide two to three times the spectrum available today, improving Quality of Service through Wi-Fi 6 offload and relieving cellular networks of capacity constraints,” he explained.
While lauding the NCC’s initiative, telecom operators have urged the federal government to assist in the costly upgrades required to leverage the new spectrum. Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), called for financial support. “We need money to upgrade our infrastructure and import equipment, as our members are struggling to expand their infrastructure,” Adebayo, represented by Gbolahan Awonuga, stated.
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Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), underscored the importance of balancing the needs of unlicensed spectrum with licensed spectrum for mobile services. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and regulatory reforms to foster infrastructure expansion. “Supporting smaller ISPs will encourage their proliferation, contributing significantly to broadband penetration in underserved and rural areas,” Emoekpere stated.