NCC Seeks Stakeholders Inputs On Use Of 6GHz For Wi-Fi – 6, IMT Applications
L-R: Executive Secretary, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbolahan Awonuga; Professor of Telecommunications Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Caroline Alenoghena; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Abraham Oshadami; Public Policy Manager, Anglophone West Africa, Meta, Sade Dada; Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, NCC, Efosa Idehen and President, Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies hosted by the Commission in Lagos on Thursday (September 19, 2024).
In line with it’s traditionally institutionalized policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in conducting its regulatory functions, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called for inputs and comments from the industry stakeholders on the use of the 6GHz for Wi-Fi – 6 and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) applications.
Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, made the call at the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies held in Lagos on September 19, 2024.
Dr. Aminu Maida who was represented at the occasion by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, emphasised the need for industry-wide consultation with relevant stakeholders for their inputs and comments before taking actions in conducting it’s regulatory functions.
According to him, “In line with one of the key factors on collaboration as outlined in our focus areas and the Commission’s traditionally institutionalized policy of participatory regulation and the practice of industry-wide consultations in conducting its regulatory functions, we are here again to elicit your comments and inputs on the use of the 6GHz for Wi-Fi – 6 and International Mobile Telecommunications (MT).
“…With global best practices, we sincerely believe that our actions must be guided by decisions that take into cognizance the inputs from all stakeholders in the industry.
He said “The 6GHz band, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, offers a substantial increase in available spectrum, which is crucial for supporting the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications Wi-Fi plays a crucial role in the distribution of fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and various other environments.
He maintained that the vast majority of home internet traffic is connected to the end-user through Wi-Fi, noting that “In enterprise settings, Wi-Fi is essential for handling large amounts of data and simultaneously connecting large numbers of devices with improved reliability, higher data throughput, and lower latencies.
“However, the 5GHz and 2.4GHz that are being used for Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5) at the moment are becoming overwhelmed due to an increase in demand for capacity. It is, therefore, imperative to identify other frequency bands to complement the 5GHz and 2.4GHz.”
He informed the gathering that the decision for allocation of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and IMT applications with different recommendations on how to use the band was taken at the recently concluded 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
While seeing stakeholders inputs to enable the Commission take action on the matter, he said “Today, we present to you our thoughts and recommendations on the use of the Spectrum band to get your feedback for informed decision-making.”
