As the digital revolution continues to unfold, 6G represents the next frontier in connectivity, and with the leadership of the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC), Nigeria is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey.

By preparing today, the NCC is ensuring that Nigeria will be ready to embrace the technologies of tomorrow. Building on the success of 5G, which has already begun to transform industries with unprecedented speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity, the NCC is looking ahead to ensure Nigeria is not left behind in the global race toward 6G adoption.

6G network

The 6th Generation (6G) wireless technology represents the next leap forward in telecommunication, poised to redefine connectivity across sectors. While 5G focuses on faster speeds, 6G is expected to deliver even more groundbreaking capabilities, such as:

Speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, reaching an estimated 1 terabyte per second; ultra-low latency measured in microseconds; massive connectivity accommodating up to 10 million devices per square kilometer;

AI-driven networks where artificial intelligence and machine learning enhance network management and operations; as well as holographic communication enabling immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.

6G promises to drive new developments in areas such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, advanced healthcare, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which will connect devices in ways that are currently unimaginable.

The NCC has been proactive in ensuring Nigeria remains a leader in Africa’s digital transformation journey. After successfully overseeing the launch of 5G in the country, which has already seen deployments by major telecom operators, the Commission is now focusing on 6G development as part of its long-term strategy.

NCC said it has made a significant move to harness the 6GHz spectrum’s potential for enhanced Wi-Fi 6 to address Nigeria’s growing broadband needs. The NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed this during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies in Lagos recently.

Growing demand

Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said the move would address growing demand for high-speed internet. He added that Nigeria would be joining the league of countries already utilising part of the 6GHz band for WiFi -6 applications.

“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. “The vast majority of home internet traffic is connected to the end-user through Wi-Fi.

“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,” Maida said.

Overcrowded airwaves

Similarly, the Head, of Spectrum Administration at the NCC, Atiku Lawal, said the overcrowded airwaves were currently limiting the potential of Wi-Fi in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Lawal said that it was not a surprise that more than seventy countries had already acted, or were considering acting on opening the 6GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use.

He noted that depending upon the country’s implementation plan, this decision would provide two to three times the spectrum available today.

This is also expected to result in the ability to implement 80MHz and 160 MHz channels being available for the new Wi-Fi 6 standard ideal to support digital transformation efforts and use cases like high definition video and X Reality (XR).

“The commission’s decision to open the 6GHz frequency band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use is poised to revolutionize broadband connectivity in Nigeria. “This move will significantly enhance internet services, providing faster and more reliable connections.

With the advent of Wi-Fi 6, users can expect higher data rates and increased capacity, making it ideal for high-demand environments such as stadiums, airports and offices,” he said.

He added that by offloading devices from cellular networks to Wi-Fi 6, the NCC aims to improve overall quality of service, alleviating capacity constraints and boosting broad band penetration in Nigeria. –

Operators’ request

While commending the NCC, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, pleaded with the Federal Government to assist operators in upgrading to the new spectrum. He said the appeal was coming because operators struggled to expand their networks. Adebayo, who was represented

By staying ahead of the curve, Nigeria could emerge as a leader in Africa’s 6G rollout, attracting investments and fostering innovation in the tech sector

by the Executive Secretary, ALTON, Gbolahan Awonuga, said the telecom operators are not isolated from the harsh financial ecosystem. “We need money to upgrade our infrastructure and import equipment, so as for us to benefit from the 6GHz.

“Our members are struggling to expand their infrastructure. We appeal to the federal government to come to our aid.” The GSMA, the global industry organisation for mobile network operators, had recently called on governments to allocate the 6 GHz spectrum for mobile use.

According to the organisation, this band holds the key to unlocking a future of revolutionised connectivity and driving economic growth across the globe.

As mobile data consumption continues to rise, the 6 GHz band is expected to provide the necessary capacity to support the speeds envisioned for 5G and future advancements.

By leveraging the 6 GHz band, mobile network operators can expand capacity on existing infrastructure, leading to more cost-effective network deployment.

Capacity building

The NCC has emphasised the need for capacity building within the telecommunications sector. Collaborating with international partners, universities, and research institutions, the Commission has initiated research programmes focused on 6G technology.

This includes exploring the use of higher frequency bands (such as terahertz waves) and the potential for integrating AI with communication networks.

Spectrum allocation

One of the critical steps in preparing for 6G is identifying and allocating spectrum for this new technology.

The NCC said it has been working with global bodies, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), to understand the global trends and ensure Nigeria is aligned with international standards for 6G deployment. Spectrum management will be crucial to unlocking the potential of 6G networks.

Stakeholders

The agency also revealed its efforts tying to actively engage with stakeholders across the telecom ecosystem, including operators, equipment manufacturers, and technology experts, to build a consensus on Nigeria’s path to 6G.

These engagements have highlighted the importance of partnerships and investments in infrastructure development.

Policy and regulation

As the regulator of the telecom industry, the NCC is also working on creating an enabling policy environment that fosters innovation and supports 6G adoption.

The Commission is reviewing existing policies and regulations to align with the technological advancements expected from 6G. This includes promoting research and development, ensuring cybersecurity, and protecting consumers’ data privacy in a more connected future.

The NCC recognises the potential of 6G to significantly boost Nigeria’s economy. From enhancing productivity in industries such as agriculture, education, and manufacturing to facilitating innovation in healthcare and transportation, 6G is expected to have a profound impact on job creation, digital inclusion, and overall economic growth.

The Commission is also focused on ensuring that the benefits of 6G are accessible to all Nigerians, particularly in underserved areas.

Challenges

While the vision of 6G is exciting, the NCC acknowledges that there are several challenges to overcome. These include the high costs of infrastructure development, spectrum allocation complexities, and the need for skilled personnel to manage and maintain 6G networks.

Additionally, as technology evolves, cybersecurity and data privacy concerns will become even more pronounced, requiring robust measures to protect users. Another key consideration is ensuring that Nigeria’s regulatory framework can keep pace with the rapid developments in the telecommunications space.

The NCC has indicated that it will remain flexible and responsive to emerging trends, working closely with stakeholders to address challenges as they arise. Globally, the race for 6G is intensifying, with countries like the United States, China, South Korea, and Japan making significant investments in research and development.

In this context, Nigeria’s early preparations for 6G demonstrate the NCC’s commitment to maintaining the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. By staying ahead of the curve, Nigeria could emerge as a leader in Africa’s 6G rollout, attracting investments and fostering innovation in the tech sector.

Last line

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s proactive approach to 6G signals a bright future for Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.

While the technology is still in its early stages of development, the NCC’s commitment to research, policy development, and stakeholder engagement will ensure that Nigeria is well-positioned to harness the benefits of 6G when it becomes a reality.