Delays in allocating the upper 6GHz spectrum could make it more difficult and expensive for telecommunications operators to expand network capacity as demand for mobile data continues to rise, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association, GSMA, has warned. The association said governments and regulators need to provide clear spectrum roadmaps and certainty to enable operators to commit funds to network expansion as the industry moves from advanced 5G towards 6G.
The upper 6GHz band, covering 6.425GHz to 7.125GHz, is regarded as valuable mid band spectrum because it can provide substantial additional capacity for mobile networks. According to the GSMA, the 700MHz block could support wide channels of between 200MHz and 400MHz, which would be important for high capacity networks and the development of future 6G services. Countries representing more than 80 per cent of the world’s population now support mobile use of the upper 6GHz band following its harmonisation at the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference.
The warning is particularly relevant to Nigeria as mobile data consumption continues to increase and more subscribers migrate to faster networks. Nigerian Communications Commission data showed that 4G accounted for 54.31 per cent of mobile connections in June 2026, while 5G accounted for 4.61 per cent. Nigerian networks also carried about 1.53 million terabytes of data during the month, highlighting the growing pressure on existing network capacity.
Nigeria has already taken steps towards better spectrum planning, with the NCC’s 2026 to 2030 Spectrum Roadmap and a framework covering the lower portion of the 6GHz band, from 5.925GHz to 6.425GHz. However, the lower 6GHz framework is separate from the upper segment being promoted by the GSMA for full power mobile services. Industry stakeholders say timely spectrum decisions will be important for attracting telecom investment, expanding broadband capacity and preparing Nigeria for technologies that will support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital payments, connected devices and eventually 6G services.