The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s telecommunication landscape by hosting the Annual Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies. The event, held in Lagos, on the 18th of September, centered around the adoption and utilization of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications in the country.
Representing Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCC, the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Engr. Oshadami highlighted the importance of the 6GHz spectrum, which spans from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, in addressing the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced wireless technologies.“This is a historic moment for Nigeria as we join the league of countries adopting the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 applications,” said Oshadami. “Wi-Fi 6 plays a crucial role in improving fixed broadband connectivity in homes, offices, and enterprise environments. With the increasing pressure on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands currently in use, the 6GHz band presents a significant opportunity to enhance data throughput and reduce latency.”
The forum, a product of the NCC’s collaborative regulatory approach, sought to gather input from stakeholders to guide decision-making on the optimal use of the 6GHz spectrum. The discussions come in the wake of the 2023 World Radio-communications Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai, where global recommendations were made regarding the deployment of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi and International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT).
Dr. Maida reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to fostering partnerships and collaboration with industry operators, consumers, and government stakeholders to drive innovation and improve service delivery. He also emphasized the Commission’s alignment with the strategic blueprint of the Federal Government, which focuses on knowledge, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and trade to promote national development.
The event drew widespread participation from industry players, who engaged in meaningful discussions about how the 6GHz band can be harnessed to boost Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.“We look forward to your feedback as we work together to make informed decisions that will shape the future of telecommunication services in Nigeria,” Oshadami concluded.
The forum marks a key milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance broadband capacity and position the country at the forefront of technological advancement.
