The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed its plan to utilize the 6GHz spectrum in order to enhance internet speeds throughout the nation. By doing so, Nigeria joins South Africa and Morocco as African countries adopting this advanced spectrum technology.
During a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the potential of the 6GHz band. This band is expected to offer faster data rates and transmission speeds, addressing the increasing demands of Nigeria’s expanding digital landscape.
The decision to explore the 6GHz spectrum is a response to the capacity limitations in the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. The NCC aims to alleviate network congestion and enhance the overall internet experience for users by integrating this higher spectrum into the nation’s portfolio.
Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, stated that the implementation of 6GHz would provide two to three times the spectrum currently available. This expansion is crucial for supporting the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, which is ideal for digital transformation efforts and high-demand applications such as high-definition video and X Reality (XR).
The introduction of the 6GHz frequency band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use is anticipated to revolutionize broadband connectivity in Nigeria. Users can expect higher data rates and increased capacity, which will be particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas such as stadiums, airports, and offices.
However, the transition to 6GHz technology presents challenges for telecom operators. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), called for government support in upgrading infrastructure. ALTON’s Executive Secretary, Gbolahan Awonuga, emphasized the financial difficulties operators face in expanding their networks to accommodate the new spectrum.
To comprehend the significance of this development, it’s essential to understand the basics of wireless spectrum. The 6GHz spectrum ranges from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, offering advantages over previous bands. In simple terms, different frequency bands can be likened to various types of roads, with channels representing the number and width of lanes each road supports.
The 2.4GHz band is similar to a single-lane country road with long reach but limited capacity. The 5GHz band is comparable to a multilane freeway, often congested despite its larger size. The new 6GHz band represents an even larger highway with numerous high-speed lanes, exclusive to the newest and fastest devices.
This latest band is only available on newer, more advanced devices. With fewer devices currently operating on the 6GHz band and more available channels, users can expect less congestion and interference from legacy Wi-Fi devices.
As Nigeria embarks on this technological advancement, the successful implementation of the 6GHz spectrum could mark a significant milestone in the country’s digital infrastructure development. The move not only promises faster and more reliable internet connections but also positions Nigeria at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa.
