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Can WiFi 6 ignite a new industry story?
By Okoh Aihe
THE Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies which held in Lagos on September 19, 2024, as a precursor to the coming of WIFI 6, has animated industry discussions on the beautiful shape of things to come.
It is a new world out there and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, with necessary approvals from the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, has planned to formally introduce the technology to the nation but not before following its long laid down procedure of public consultation.
The forum was themed: “The Use of GHz (5925-7125)MHz for WiFi 6 and IMT applications in Nigeria”.
Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, ECTS, who stood in for Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the NCC, called the gathering a tradition which provides a platform for the regulator to consult with operators, investors, customers and other relevant stakeholders to examine, share and constructively exchange ideas to ensure optimal utilisation of the benefits of the spectrum to achieve regulatory excellence and operational efficiency.
There was so much to talk about, especially the significance of the deploying WiFi 6 in the lower band 6GHz Spectrum Band, specifically between the range 5925 and 6425 MHz. WiFi 6 represents a quantum leap in wireless technology as it offers the opportunity to support more devices with faster speed and greater reliability.
The regulator told its audience that the development is “particularly very strategic in a world increasingly dominated by the Internet of Things, IoT, where everything, from smart homes to advanced industrial systems, depends on robust wireless connectivity. The deployment in the lower 6GHz is not just about faster Internet, it’s about enabling the next generation of technological innovation and economic growth.”
What the regulator was putting on offer was like a trophy torch from WRC-23. The continent, in taking a long view at future technologies, prepared hard for the conference and was rewarded even beyond measures. There was literally a battle between WiFi and IMT with the earlier enjoying a clear victory which also meant victory for the continent to introduce WiFi 6 for extensive use.
“Prior to the 2023 World Radiocommunications Conference, African Telecommunications Union, ATU, had already concluded its decision on the 6GHz Spectrum Band and recommended that administrations in Africa adopt the lower 6GHz for WIFi-6 applications. This decision was taken to WRC-23 and at the end of the day, Africa came out victorious,” Oshadami said.
This writer was told that the band is for unlicensed use, meaning that users don’t have to obtain licences from, or pay any licence fee to the regulator, except to follow the laid down regulations just to ensure discipline in operations and avoid chaos and arbitrariness. Its introduction is expected to excite the industry and activate greater connectivity.
Nigeria is not alone in this journey or let me say the Africa Region has only tried to secure something that has facilitated connectivity in other parts of the world. For instance, the United States Federal Communications Commission, FCC, approved the opening of the 6-GHz band for unlicensed use in the United States in April 2020.
The move demands that the FCC frees1200 MHz bandwidth for use by WiFi 6E devices, which feature an extra radio that lets them communicate in the 6-GHz band. The 6-GHz offers more than twice as much WiFi bandwidth as the 5-GHz band. The FCC plan is to encourage wireless innovation and support smart homes and offices and expanding the Internet of Things, IoT.
Other countries and regulatory bodies already delivering 6GHz unlicensed spectrum to their residents, according to a CISCO report, include Chile, the European Union, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Without doubt, this is a good company to keep. And I am sure the stakeholders who gathered in Lagos will already be looking forward to how they can deploy WiFi 6 spectrum to change the story of their world. I will not try to compare the rate and level of connectivity in any of the countries listed above. However, NCC seems pumped up to want to change the level of connectivity, and even quality of networks with its latest move.
An industry source explained that there will be more Internet connectivity which may even profit the mobile operators. When there is congestion on the network, the source explained, the operators will simply offload on the WiFi. Besides, there will be wider availability of Internet for the ordinary folks, even as it will be much easier for people to deploy WiFi in parks and other public places.
Making a compelling case for WiFi in an article, Connecting to the Future with 6GHz WiFi, published in September, 2023, Alex Roytblat, Vice President, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs, WiFi Alliance, wrote: “The significance of Wi-Fi will only increase with the next generation of wireless connectivity, as future use cases will require computational resources and connectivity that are hundreds, if not thousands, times faster than current International Mobile Telecommunications, IMT, applications.
“Next-generation connectivity will command immersive experiences such as virtual, augmented, and extended-reality, VR/AR/XR, wearable tech, artificial intelligence, AI, telehealth, industrial automation, the Internet of Things, IoT, and 3D-video,” he said.
While Roytblat submitted that the 6GHz WiFi was already delivering real socio-economic benefits in many countries; he also observed that the diverse and growing product ecosystem for 6 GHz Wi-Fi fits perfectly with broadband objectives in developed and developing countries — and without disrupting incumbent operations.
The NCC obviously will enjoy this point of view.
WiFi connectivity has more to do with speed, reliability and cost; the regulator has said that this will come at no cost but just regulations to enable responsible behaviour from users.
For the industry people who are used to paying for nearly everything they get from the regulator, including services, this may sound like strange music. Gbenga Adebayo, the ALTON President, told this writer within the week, that WiFi 6 is a positive development for the industry. It presents a win-win situation where everybody benefits as it will impact easy deployment, availability and service cost, even as more and more devices get connected. It is obviously a good turn for the industry, he observed.
The taste of the pudding, they say, is in the eating. So, NCC, when is WiFi 6 coming on stream? Our much maligned younger generation will be interested in the answer. Or will this be another story of Waiting for Godot?
By Benedict Binebai
Manipulative history often distorts the truth by presenting a biased interpretation of events, omitting key facts, and misrepresenting evidence to fit a specific narrative or ideology. This can be achieved through propaganda, simplification, or stereotyping, which can be used to influence opinions or beliefs.The Itsekiri history of Warri justifies the subheadings of manipulative history in the following ways:
Biased Interpretation
The Itsekiri narrative often portrays themselves as the sole founders and owners of Warri, downplaying the roles and contributions of other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This selective presentation of facts supports a predetermined narrative of Itsekiri dominance and ownership.
Omission of Key Facts
The Itsekiri narrative often omits or glosses over the historical conflicts and power struggles between the Itsekiri and other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This omission of key facts creates an incomplete and inaccurate picture of Warri’s history.
Distortion of Evidence
The Itsekiri narrative often misrepresents or manipulates historical evidence to support their claims to dominance and ownership. For example, they may emphasize their historical relationships with European colonizers to justify their perceived superiority over other communities.
Propaganda
The narrative often uses emotive language and loaded terminology to influence readers’ opinions or beliefs. For example, they use terms like “founding fathers” or “traditional owners” to emphasize their perceived historical rights and privileges.
Simplification or Stereotyping
The Itsekiri narrative often oversimplifies the complex historical relationships between the Itsekiri and other communities, portraying themselves as the sole beneficiaries of Western education, Christianity, and modernization. This oversimplification perpetuates negative stereotypes about other communities and reinforces Itsekiri exceptionalism.
Lack of Transparency
The Itsekiri narrative often lacks transparency regarding its sources, methods, and potential biases. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the historical narrative critically and identify potential manipulations or distortions.
Emotional Manipulation
The Itsekiri narrative often uses emotive appeals or sensationalism to elicit a specific response or reaction from readers. For example, they may emphasize their historical cultural heritage or traditional practices to evoke a sense of nostalgia or pride, while downplaying the cultural heritage and traditions of other communities.
By examining the Itsekiri history of Warri through these subheadings, it becomes clear that the narrative exhibits characteristics of manipulative history, which can be used to justify a particular agenda or ideology.
Consequences of Manipulative History
Manipulative history can have far-reaching consequences, including the perpetuation of biases and stereotypes, justification of oppression or dominance, and erosion of trust in historical narratives and institutions. By distorting the past, manipulative history can create a false narrative that supports a particular agenda or ideology, leading to ongoing social and cultural tensions. This can contribute to polarization and conflict, as certain groups may feel marginalized or excluded from the dominant narrative.
The consequences of manipulative history can also be seen in the loss of cultural heritage and the undermining of critical thinking. By erasing or distorting certain narratives or perspectives, manipulative history can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the past. Furthermore, manipulative history can inform poor decision-making and policy development in the present, as inaccurate lessons are drawn from a distorted past. Ultimately, manipulative history can have a profound impact on our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, highlighting the importance of promoting accurate and nuanced historical narratives.
Column – IduwiniVoice
Where falsehood reigns for decades, truth can reign everlastingly. This underscores the enduring power of truth, even in the face of prolonged deception. This notion is particularly pertinent in contexts where misinformation and falsehoods have been deeply ingrained in societal narratives, such as in the case of the “Warri Falsehood” and the “Warri Truth.” Here, the city of Warri in Nigeria serves as a microcosm for the struggle between falsehood and truth, where decades of misrepresentation and distortion can be challenged by the emergence of authentic voices and narratives.
The Warri Falsehood may manifest in various forms, including historical revisionism, cultural appropriation, or the suppression of marginalised voices. For instance, the dominant narratives surrounding Warri’s history and culture may have been shaped by those in positions of power, often to the detriment of the city’s indigenous communities. However, the Warri Truth represents a counter-narrative that seeks to reclaim and reassert the authentic experiences and perspectives of the region’s people. This truth-telling can take many forms, including art, literature, and oral traditions.
The struggle between the Warri Falsehood and the Warri Truth is not merely an academic or intellectual exercise; it has real-world implications for the people of Warri and beyond. When falsehoods are allowed to reign unchecked, they can perpetuate harm, injustice, and inequality. Conversely, the emergence of truth can be a powerful catalyst for healing, reconciliation, and social change. By amplifying the voices and stories of marginalised communities, the Warri Truth can help to create a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the region’s history and culture.
Ultimately, the triumph of truth over falsehood requires a sustained commitment to critical inquiry, cultural preservation, and community engagement. As the people of Warri and other affected communities continue to challenge dominant narratives and assert their own truths, they can create a more just and equitable society. By embracing the complexities and diversity of their experiences, the Warri Truth can reign everlastingly, providing a powerful testament to the enduring power of authenticity and resilience.
Truth is God’s greatest virtue of existence; let us respect and celebrate it.
Igumugumu
Prof. Benedict Binebai
The chains that bind us come in many forms – oppression, ignorance, fear. They weigh us down, restrict our potential, and silence our voices. But there is a powerful force that can shatter these chains: truth. When we confront the truth, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable, we begin to break free from the shackles that hold us back.
Truth has a way of illuminating the darkest corners of our minds and societies. It exposes the lies, the injustices, and the inequalities that perpetuate our bondage. As we embrace the truth, we gain the strength and courage to challenge the status quo, to demand change, and to fight for our rights. The chains that once bound us begin to weaken, and we start to feel the warmth of freedom’s breeze on our skin.
Breaking chains with truth is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process. It requires vigilance, determination, and a commitment to seeking knowledge and understanding. As we uncover more truths, we become more empowered to take control of our lives, to make informed decisions, and to shape our own destinies. The chains that once held us captive begin to crumble, and we emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
When we break chains with truth, we not only liberate ourselves, but also inspire others to do the same. Our stories, our experiences, and our triumphs become beacons of hope for those still trapped in the darkness of ignorance and oppression. As we march forward, hand in hand, truth becomes the rallying cry that unites us in our quest for freedom, justice, and equality. Together, we can shatter the chains that bind us and forge a brighter, more enlightened future.