The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to unlock the potential of the 6GHz spectrum to support Wi-Fi 6 technology, aiming to meet the country’s growing demand for high-speed broadband. This strategic move was announced during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies held in Lagos on Thursday.
Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, made the disclosure through a representative, Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner of Technical Services. Maida explained that the 6GHz spectrum, which ranges from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, is crucial to addressing current challenges in meeting broadband needs. “The existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands are increasingly constrained by capacity issues,” Maida said. He further highlighted that the 6GHz band provides an expanded spectrum vital for supporting high-speed internet and advanced digital applications.
This step will see Nigeria join other countries already deploying parts of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi 6, which promises faster data throughput, improved reliability, and lower latency in high-demand environments. “Wi-Fi is essential in distributing broadband connectivity, whether in homes, offices, or large venues like stadiums,” Maida noted. “With Wi-Fi 6, users will experience enhanced connectivity, supporting the growing demand for data and more simultaneous device connections.”
Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at NCC, pointed out that the overcrowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands have limited the full potential of Wi-Fi services. He stressed the importance of the global shift to the 6GHz band, noting that over seventy countries have already taken action or are considering similar moves to allocate the spectrum for unlicensed Wi-Fi use.
“This decision will effectively double or even triple the spectrum available for Wi-Fi today,” Lawal said. “The ability to deploy wider channels—80MHz and 160MHz—will significantly enhance the performance of Wi-Fi 6, supporting digital transformation and use cases like high-definition video streaming and Extended Reality (XR).”
The NCC’s decision is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s broadband landscape by improving service quality and expanding network capacity. Lawal explained that the shift would alleviate congestion on cellular networks by offloading traffic to Wi-Fi 6, helping to accelerate broadband penetration across the country.
However, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), urged the Federal Government to support operators in upgrading their infrastructure to make full use of the new spectrum. Speaking through Gbolahan Awonuga, ALTON’s Executive Secretary, Adebayo stressed the financial challenges operators face. “The ICT industry has been a major driver of national development, yet we are grappling with the high costs of network expansion,” he said. “We need government support to upgrade infrastructure and import equipment necessary to benefit from the 6GHz spectrum.”
The NCC’s initiative is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s digital future, bringing faster, more reliable internet to millions and advancing the country’s connectivity capabilities.
