Nigeria NCC Proposes Draft Guidelines for Lower 6 GHz Band (5925–6425 MHz)
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a draft regulatory framework outlining the use of the lower 6 GHz spectrum (5925–6425 MHz) for license-exempt wireless access systems and Wi-Fi deployments
Key Provisions of the Draft Guidelines
- • License-Exempt Access: The lower 6 GHz band can be used on a shared, non-exclusive basis.
- • Operational Certificate Required: Users must apply for an Operational Licence-Exemption Certificate from the NCC before deploying any device.
- • Type Approval Mandated: All equipment must be type-approved by NCC prior to importation or deployment.
- • Power Categories Defined:
- • Indoor Low Power (ILP) devices
- • Very Low Power (VLP) devices for both indoor and limited outdoor use
- • Deployment Restrictions: The guidelines prohibit certain outdoor fixed applications (e.g., drones) to avoid interference with licensed services.
- • Technical Conditions: The draft includes limits on transmitted power, spectral density, emissions, and channel bandwidth, as well as spectrum-sharing mechanisms to manage interference.
- • Notification & Monitoring: Users must notify the NCC upon deployment and submit usage data twice a year or upon request.
Implications for Manufacturers & Deployers
These draft guidelines present a major opportunity for device manufacturers, system integrators, and network operators to leverage the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 / 6E and other high-throughput, low-latency applications in Nigeria. However, compliance will require strict adherence to NCC’s technical and operational rules.
Key actions we recommend:
- • Prepare type-approval documentation for 6 GHz-capable devices now.
- • Design equipment to meet the ILP and VLP power limits specified in the draft.
- • Plan for deployment notification and regular usage reporting to NCC.
