NCC Opens Public Inquiry on Spectrum Roadmap 2025–2030
NCC Opens Public Inquiry on Spectrum Roadmap 2025–2030
Draft Includes New Wi-Fi 6 & Millimetre Wave (60 GHz) Frameworks
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched an open public inquiry on its Draft National Spectrum Roadmap 2025–2030, alongside new technical frameworks for Wi-Fi 6 and the millimetre wave (60 GHz) license-exempt band. The initiative is part of the regulator’s strategic commitment to modernize Nigeria’s spectrum policy, support emerging technologies, expand broadband access, and align the country’s communications sector with global best practices.
Issued on December 19, 2025, the public notice invites industry stakeholders, operators, equipment manufacturers, consumer groups, and members of the public to review the draft documents published on the NCC’s website and submit their formal comments by the deadline (initially referenced as January 16, 2025 in the notice).
📊 What the Draft Spectrum Roadmap Covers
The Spectrum Roadmap 2025–2030 outlines how Nigeria will manage and allocate radio frequencies over the next five years to support:
- Efficient spectrum utilisation that promotes investment and competition
- Broadband expansion across urban and rural regions
- Alignment with global technological standards
- Support for next-generation networks (including 5G evolution and beyond)
📶 Wi-Fi 6 & Millimetre Wave (60 GHz) Frameworks
A key part of the public inquiry includes draft guidelines for the 60 GHz license-exempt band, which is anticipated to underpin multi-gigabit wireless systems and advanced connectivity. The 60 GHz band can enable extremely high-speed, low-latency links suitable for dense urban environments, enterprise applications, fixed wireless access, and backhaul services.
Wi-Fi 6, part of the wider 6 GHz ecosystem in many markets, represents the next major enhancement in Wi-Fi technology—offering improved performance, capacity, and efficiency in congested environments. Integrating Wi-Fi 6-ready policies into the national spectrum framework aligns Nigeria with global trends toward faster, more reliable unlicensed wireless access. (Note: while the NCC draft itself highlights the 60 GHz framework, Wi-Fi 6 developments in spectrum policies are part of broader 6 GHz band discussions in other regions and expected to inform Nigerian deployment as well.)
📣 Why Stakeholder Input Matters
Under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, public comments are part of the regulator’s participatory rule-making process. The NCC emphasizes that stakeholder contributions are critical to refining the roadmap and ensuring the spectrum policy supports innovation, competition, investment, and sustainable growth in the communications sector.
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit data-driven proposals, technical evaluations, and recommendations that reflect both Nigeria’s specific needs and international best practices. Responses will help shape the final rules that govern how key spectrum bands—such as those supporting high-capacity wireless services—are allocated and managed.