inq. Digital Launches Wi-Fi 6 In Zambia

Technology companies have to stay ahead of the curve by providing the latest products and services needed by their consumers, efficiently. inq. Digital has done this with the official launch of Wi-Fi 6 in the country, set to redefine the way we experience the internet. This is very significant for countries like Zambia, where access to reliable and fast internet can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, education, and innovation.

Watch the launch here:

So, what is Wi-Fi 6?

Also known as 802.11ax, it is the latest generation of wireless technology that succeeds WiFi 5 (802.11ac). The names were changed in  It’s designed to overcome the challenges posed by the increasing number of connected devices and the demand for higher data speeds. This technology operates in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, enhancing efficiency even in crowded areas.

According to the WiFi Alliance, Wi-Fi 6 is a new industry label for products and networks utilizing 802.11ax technology. This naming system simplifies how users understand their device’s Wi-Fi capabilities and its connection to networks. This system assigns numerical identifiers to Wi-Fi generations, marking significant advancements. It helps product vendors showcase the technology their devices support, assists OS vendors in identifying the generation of Wi-Fi connections, and aids service providers in communicating network capabilities to customers. Previous Wi-Fi generations, like 802.11n and 802.11ac, also receive designations:

Wi-Fi 6: Devices supporting 802.11ax technology.

Wi-Fi 5: Devices using 802.11ac technology.

Wi-Fi 4: Devices compatible with 802.11n technology.

How Does Wi-Fi 6 Work?

Wi-Fi 6 introduces several key features that contribute to its efficiency and performance. One of these features is Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), which allows the router to divide channels into many more smaller sub-channels. This enables multiple devices to communicate simultaneously, reducing latency and improving overall network efficiency.  What else?

“Target Wake Time (TWT) is a feature of Wi-Fi 6 that allows devices to schedule when they will communicate with the wireless network. TWT lets a device turn on its radio interface only when it needs to communicate with the network, thereby reducing power consumption and extending the battery life of IoT devices. TWT works by allowing devices to negotiate a time slot with the access point for communication. This means that devices can plan when they need to wake up to communicate with the network, and the access point can plan its resources to accommodate the communication. TWT thus allows devices to stay in low-power modes for most of the time, which is especially important for battery-operated IoT devices that may not have access to a power source.” – The ESP Journal

inq. Digital Group CEO Glad Dibetso expressed his enthusiasm about the potential of the Wi-Fi 6’s possibilities in the country:

 

Benefits for Zambia

In a country like Zambia, where connectivity challenges have hindered progress, Wi-Fi 6 can be a game-changer:

Improved Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6’s ability to handle a larger number of devices means more people can access the internet simultaneously without experiencing a significant drop in speed. This is crucial for schools, businesses, and public spaces where multiple users are connecting at once.

Enhanced Education: With Wi-Fi 6, remote learning becomes more feasible and interactive. Students and teachers can engage in video conferencing, access online resources, and participate in virtual classrooms seamlessly.

Economic Growth: Stable and high-speed internet is a catalyst for economic development. Small businesses can thrive by leveraging e-commerce, while tech startups can emerge with more reliable network infrastructure.

Healthcare and Agriculture: Wi-Fi 6 can empower rural healthcare facilities with telemedicine capabilities, enabling access to medical expertise remotely. In the agricultural sector, farmers can access valuable information to improve their yield and practices.

Tourism and Communication: Improved connectivity can boost tourism through better online promotion and communication. Visitors can stay connected and share their experiences, benefiting both the tourism industry and local communities.

Wi-Fi 6 has the potential to transform connectivity in Zambia. By addressing the limitations of previous Wi-Fi generations, this technology can bridge the digital divide that currently exists.