Telecom
NCC Rallies Stakeholders on Adoption of 6GHz Open Wi-Fi
Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has gathered opinion molders in the communications industry, to create people-centered policies for the adoption of 6GHz Open Wi-Fi.
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).
The stakeholder forum held in Lagos, aligns with NCC’s mission of effective regulation, consumer protection, research and development, market growth, and policy implementation.
Speaking at the stakeholder forum, Dr. Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NCC, emphasized the commission’s role as a hub for decision-making, while recognizing the invaluable contributions of high-speed internet. He reiterated the commitment to align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our actions must be guided by decisions that consider inputs from all industry stakeholders.
“The 6GHz band, spanning 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, provides a substantial spectrum to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet and advanced applications.
“Wi-Fi is crucial for distributing fixed broadband connectivity across homes, offices, and various environments,” he stated.
Speaking further, Dr. Aminu, who was represented by Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at NCC, expressed enthusiasm for the stakeholder initiative.
He noted that the government aims to reposition the commission to seize opportunities through strategic focus areas driven by collaboration, data compliance, and digitalization.
He pointed out that most home internet traffic connects through Wi-Fi, making it essential to handle large data volumes and connect multiple devices reliably. As the current 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies become saturated, exploring other bands is imperative.
Meanwhile, Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, President of ATCON, discussed the importance of spectrum allocation, investment in infrastructure, consumer benefits, digital inclusion, and global alignment.
He emphasized that the 6GHz band is being considered globally for IMT and Wi-Fi 6 deployment, urging Nigeria to align its policies with international standards to foster trade, collaboration, and innovation.
He highlighted the potential of Wi-Fi 6 to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved areas, advocating for inclusive access and equitable distribution of technology, while ensuring affordability and consumer protection.
The forum also featured insights from Meta’s Fargani Tambeayuk, Director of Public Policy for Francophone Africa, who acknowledged the NCC’s efforts in achieving 66% internet traffic growth within a year.
According to him, Nigeria’s $2 billion fiber-optics project is a significant leap in connectivity. He emphasized that the internet is a key driver of economic growth and that the adoption of 6GHz will lead to prosperity.
Corroborating Fargani’s thought, Judith Okonkwo of Imisi 3D Creation who Lab co-presented on “Wi-Fi for a Digital-Driven Economy,” highlights the benefits of Real-time Remote Assistance (RRA).
RRA facilitates immediate support via live video, audio, and chat, improving efficiency and reducing costs across various sectors, including manufacturing, education, and entertainment.
Strengthening the discussion, Engr. Prof. Caroline Alenoghena from the Federal University of Minna discussed the opportunities presented by leveraging the 6GHz spectrum, including increased wireless capacity, reduced network congestion, and enhanced telemedicine capabilities.
She recommended spectrum studies, pilot projects, and investment incentives, urging international partners to support Nigeria’s 6GHz adoption through knowledge sharing.
To Daniel Obam, a resource person from Huawei noted the challenges in Nigeria’s transmission network, including a national fiber penetration rate of approximately 19%, compared to over 60% in Europe.
He emphasized the need for Nigeria to increase its capacity and explore the benefits of 6GHz technology.
But Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo from Intel highlighted that extensive technical studies have confirmed that wireless access systems can operate within the 6GHz band without disrupting existing operations.
He noted that many countries have opened part of the 6GHz band for use and recommended that Nigeria do the same to foster innovation and connectivity.
MTN Group has committed $2 billion to the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect initiative, bringing the total funds pledged to $73 billion.
The announcement was made during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) in Barcelona, Spain.
Partner2Connect, spearheaded by the ITU, is a global initiative aimed at enhancing universal digital access, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, secretary-general, ITU, highlighted the significance of these commitments, stating, “Expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity. These new pledges bring us closer to delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”
According to the ITU, MTN Group has shown a strong commitment to investing in Africa’s digital future, spending approximately $2 billion annually on capital expenditures across its markets over the past five years.
Similar investments are planned over the next five years, focusing on expanding and improving voice and data networks to bolster connectivity and drive digital inclusion.
The ITU also announced a $2 billion pledge from Globalstar to expand its low-Earth orbit satellite network, providing seamless, energy-efficient connectivity solutions for remote regions and underserved areas.
These efforts will include direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT connectivity solutions.
As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary, the UN agency has emphasised its dedication to bridging the global digital divide.
An estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU data.
The agency has called for $100 billion in commitments by 2026 to fund projects supporting global digital transformation, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
With over 1,000 pledges spanning 147 countries, Partner2Connect is working toward ITU’s vision of a digitally connected and inclusive future.
Current estimates suggest $1.6 trillion is required for global connectivity hardware alone, with the majority of resources needed in developing nations.
The funds pledged by MTN Group and other partners are set to strengthen digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital innovations to support economic and social growth worldwide.
Telegram has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing user safety by flagging messages from unknown contacts.
When users receive messages from individuals outside their contact list for the first time, a detailed information page now appears.
This page includes details such as the sender’s country (determined by their phone number), their joining date on Telegram, any shared groups, and whether their account is verified.
The goal is to help users identify potential scams and impersonators more effectively.
In addition, Telegram now provides insight into when the sender last updated their username or profile picture, offering another way to detect compromised or hacked accounts.
The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency, promising “clear indicators” to distinguish official accounts, third-party verified profiles, and regular users.
Telegram Premium subscribers can now charge fees for messages received from users outside their contact list, a feature designed to reduce spam while allowing group administrators to monetise their communities.
Dubbed “Star Messages,” this new option enables users to set customisable fees for unsolicited messages.
The feature also provides flexibility, allowing certain users or members of specific groups to send messages for free.
Telegram’s Star Messages come with convenient options, such as single-tap refunds for payments, ensuring a seamless user experience.
By offering advanced controls and monetisation opportunities, the platform continues to prioritise user safety and satisfaction.
With these updates, Telegram strengthens its position as a platform focused on both user protection and innovative monetisation tools.
MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to grassroots sports development following a visit to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City on March 5.
The visit coincided with the upcoming launch of Season 3 of MTN Champs, an athletics competition that will commence in Edo State from March 13 to 15.
The initiative highlights MTN’s dedication to nurturing young athletic talent and aligns seamlessly with Edo State’s focus on sports development.
Idowu Adesokan, General Manager of Consumer Marketing at MTN Nigeria, expressed appreciation for Edo State’s contributions to previous editions of MTN Champs and emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure this season’s success.
Governor Okpebholo reciprocated by pledging full logistical and administrative support to make the event impactful.
Season 3 of MTN Champs is set to engage thousands of secondary school students across Nigeria, kicking off in Edo State before moving to Lagos and Uyo in subsequent weeks.
This initiative reflects MTN Nigeria’s broader vision of fostering youth empowerment and revitalizing athletics at the grassroots level.
MTN Commits $2Bn to ITU’s Partner2Connect Initiative
Telegram Introduces New Features to Address Unsolicited Messages
NIMC Warns against Using Unauthorised Websites for NIN Changes
Kaspersky Uncovers Sophisticated Deception Campaign using DeepSeek AI as Bait
Igniteher BootCamp: A Pathway to Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
Schmidt, Ex Google Chief Says AI Risky in Terrorist Hands
KongaFM Basks in Rave Reviews from Nigerians
GSMA Launches Innovation Fund to Boost AI Solutions in Emerging Markets
FG Order MDAs to Close Commercial Banks’ Accounts, Enforce TSA Policy
OpenAI CEO Rejects $97.4Bn Takeover Bid from Elon Musk
Telecom2 days agoST Team Partner Proxy Coding School to Launch Free Tech Skills Initiative
E-Business2 days agoGBB to Train Over 300 Civil Servants on Govmail
Broadcasting2 days agoNAFDAC’s Fight Against Counterfeit Drugs Reaches New Heights with Ibadan Raid
Telecom16 hours agoMTN Nigeria Reaffirms Support for Grassroots Sports During Edo State Visit
E-Business16 hours agoKaspersky Uncovers Sophisticated Deception Campaign using DeepSeek AI as Bait
News16 hours agoIgniteher BootCamp: A Pathway to Women Empowerment and Economic Growth
Telecom16 hours agoTelegram Introduces New Features to Address Unsolicited Messages
Telecom16 hours agoForeign Affairs Minister Amb. Tuggar Lauds Moniepoint as a Nigerian Fintech Success Story