The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has recently engaged in discussions regarding Nigeria’s adoption of 6GHz Open Wi-Fi, in cooperation with Huawei, Meta, Intel, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), and other industry stakeholders, with the aim of developing people-centered policies that support Nigerians’ economic prosperity. The NCC’s goals of effective regulation, consumer protection, research and development, market expansion, and policy execution are all in line with the stakeholder forum that was held in Lagos. Dr. Aminu Maida, the NCC’s executive vice chairman and CEO, acknowledged the significant contributions of high-speed internet while emphasizing the commission’s function as a center for decision-making.
He reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda and added that the commission’s operations must be determined by decisions that take into account the opinions of all relevant industry stakeholders. The large spectrum available in the 6GHz band, which runs from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, can accommodate the increasing demand for innovative applications and high-speed internet. Dr. Aminu expressed excitement for the stakeholder initiative who spoke through Engr Abraham Oshadami, the NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services said that through strategic emphasis areas driven by cooperation, data compliance, and digitization, the government hopes to reposition the commission to take advantage of opportunities.
Expanding internet access to underprivileged communities.
ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere spoke about the significance of spectrum allocation, Infrastructure investment, consumer advantages, digital inclusiveness, and global alignment. He underlined that the deployment of Wi-Fi 6 and IMT are being studied globally, and urged Nigeria to harmonize its regulations with international norms in order to promote innovation, trade, and cooperation. In addition to promoting equitable access and fair distribution of Technology while guaranteeing affordability and consumer protection, he emphasized the potential of Wi-Fi 6 to bring high-speed, low-latency internet to underprivileged communities.
Fargani Tambeayuk, Director of Public Policy for Francophone Africa at Meta, shared her thoughts at the session as well. She commended the NCC for its work in generating a 66% increase in internet traffic within a year. She claims that Nigeria’s $2 billion fiber-optic project represents a major advancement in connectivity. Tambeayuk underlined that adoption of the open WiFi will bring wealth and that an internet connection is a major force behind economic progress. Engineer Professor Caroline Alenoghena of the Federal University of Minna spoke on the benefits of using the 6GHz spectrum, such as improved telemedicine capabilities, fewer network congestion, and higher wireless bandwidth.
6GHz spectrum would improve connectivity option.
Currently, Nigeria predominantly uses the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency bands. Many different wireless networks, including home and public Wi-Fi, frequently use these bands. Despite the fact that many users can efficiently use the present Wi-Fi frequencies, they have drawbacks including restricted range and network congestion, particularly in highly populated locations. While 5GHz offers more fast speeds, connectivity in larger locations may be limited due to its lower range and poor wall penetration. As the open WiFi spectrum is embraced by more people, it would improve connectivity options by offering faster speeds and less congestion.
Adoption of the new open Wi-Fi band would represent a big step toward increasing Internet Access and enhancing connection all around the nation. Faster and more dependable wireless communication would be made possible by the 6GHz band’s allotment, which provides more bandwidth and less interference. Open Wi-Fi in the 6GHz band might offer extensive and reasonably priced connectivity, as many people do not have dependable internet access. Encouraging technological and application innovation, open access to the 6GHz spectrum supports local startups and solutions suited to Nigerian requirements.
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Nigeria has initiated a number of initiatives designed to promote the use of the 6GHz frequency for open Wi-Fi. In order to ensure compliance and effective administration, the Nigerian Communications Commission is creating regulations to allot the 6GHz spectrum for public usage. Partnerships with tech companies are in place to supply the gear and assistance required to put 6GHz Wi-Fi solutions into operation. Overall, Nigeria’s transition to the open Wi-Fi is a proactive strategy for closing the digital divide and advancing socio economic growth.