Sylvia Duruson
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its initiative to harness the 6GHz spectrum, aiming to significantly improve internet speeds across the country. This move positions Nigeria alongside South Africa and Morocco as African nations deploying this advanced spectrum.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, highlighted the potential of the 6GHz band during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos. The band promises faster data rates and transmission speeds, addressing the growing demands of Nigeria’s expanding digital landscape.
The decision to explore the 6GHz spectrum comes as a response to capacity constraints in the current 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. By integrating this higher spectrum into the nation’s portfolio, the NCC aims to alleviate network congestion and enhance the overall internet experience for users.
Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, explained 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 like high-definition video and X Reality (XR).
The introduction of the 6GHz frequency band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use is expected to revolutionize broadband connectivity in Nigeria. Users can anticipate higher data rates and increased capacity, particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas such as stadiums, airports, and offices.
However, the transition to 6GHz technology poses 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 understand the significance of this development, it’s crucial to grasp 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 comparable to a single-lane country road with long reach but limited capacity. The 5GHz band is akin 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.
