To address ongoing issues of network disruptions and traffic congestion, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed plans to implement the six-gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band. This initiative is anticipated to greatly enhance the quality and reliability of network services nationwide, especially given the alarming frequency of fibre cuts and service interruptions encountered each month. At the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum focusing on Emerging Technologies, it was revealed that Nigeria faces more than 1,600 instances of fibre cuts and upwards of 500 network failures each month.
These interruptions affect the service provided to over 83 million users yearly, emphasising the critical necessity for effective backup solutions to strengthen network stability. To address this issue, the NCC utilises the 6GHz spectrum, which enhances internet speed and expands network capabilities. The commission noted that employing this band for Wi-Fi-6 services and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) will reduce strain on current networks and boost connectivity in urban and rural regions alike. The 6GHz frequency band spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, providing network operators with a substantial expansion of usable spectrum.
Existing systems need to accommodate the new technology.
According to Aminu Maida, the NCC’s executive vice chairman, leveraging this spectrum is vital to meet the increasing need for high-speed internet and sophisticated applications, especially in residential areas, workplaces, airports, and educational institutions. Maida highlighted the importance of Wi-Fi 6, utilising the 6GHz frequency, in relieving congestion on saturated mobile networks. This transition will reduce pressure on existing infrastructures, leading to enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) for users. Alongside boosting performance, the 6GHz frequency will offer increased wireless bandwidth and less network interference.
Caroline Alenoghena, a Telecommunications Engineering professor at the Federal University of Technology in Minna, asserts that this spectrum is crucial for closing the digital gap in remote and underserved regions, delivering high-speed internet to places that have long faced connectivity challenges. The potential of the 6GHz band is immense; however, implementing it demands considerable financial commitments. Telecommunication firms and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will need to enhance their existing systems to accommodate this new technology, which involves setting up additional base stations, antennas, and fibre optic networks.
Establishment of favorable policies will aid the spectrum rollout.
Recently, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, pointed out the difficult situation that the sector is encountering, emphasising that companies are experiencing reduced profits from their investments, potentially obstructing upcoming Infrastructure advancements. In the year 2023, Airtel Africa and MTN Nigeria encountered considerable losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations. MTN revealed a notable deficit of N137 billion, marking its first such loss since it went public on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2019. These financial difficulties present a major obstacle to the extensive deployment of 6GHz technology.
Key figures in the industry, such as Tony Emoekpere, who heads the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), have emphasised the importance of favourable policies for the effective rollout of the 6GHz spectrum. Emoekpere urged the establishment of partnerships between the public and private sectors, lower Right of Way (RoW) fees, and streamlined regulatory frameworks to boost infrastructure development. He highlighted the significance of backing smaller, local internet service providers that might lack the funds to bid for costly licensed spectrum but stand to gain immensely from the unlicensed spectrum available through Wi-Fi-6.
Related Article: FG to boost internet services in communities
Promoting the expansion of these smaller ISPs could notably enhance Broadband access, especially in rural and underprivileged regions. The 6GHz frequency range presents significant opportunities for Nigeria’s telecom sector, providing a viable remedy for network disruptions, overcrowding, and connectivity challenges. To unlock its complete capabilities, however, collaboration among telecom providers, ISPs, government entities, and private stakeholders will be essential. By implementing effective policies and making strategic infrastructure investments, Nigeria can greatly enhance its network services and reduce the digital gap.