The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other stakeholders in the Telecomms sector have urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation about the fifth generation technology (5G) network, saying Nigerian populace stand to benefit a lot from the deployment of the network.
Speaking at the 2nd Quarter Industry Consumer Advisory Forum (ICAF) stakeholders’ meeting organized by the NCC in Lagos, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), reiterated its support for the commission to serve the Nigerian populace with technology in line with growing trends in the sector.
ALTON and the NCC described the rumour linking the 5G network to COVID-19 and other health risks as misconception and conspiracy teories, saying that the network has nothing to do with any health challenges but endless opportunities.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who was represented by the commission’s Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr Efosa Idehen, said that the commission would ensure Nigerians interests are well protected before the deployment of the network.
The EVC, who also said that there were so many misconception and misinformation about the 5G network, said that the network would enhance businesses and enable Nigerians to do so many things when deployed.
On his part, the ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, in his paper presentation titled: “Deployment of New Technology for Improved Consumer Experience, 5G Misconception and Conspiracy Theory”, said said that mobile Technologies have transformed way of life, providing more effective and efficient channels for the conduct of socio-economic endeavors across a broad range of sectors including but not limited to finance, agriculture, medicine, and education.
He said:“Mobile technologies contributed significantly to this journey by facilitating communication through devices. From 1G through to 4G, every successive generation has introduced advances in network capabilities and capacity, and the next generation of mobile networks will be no exception.
“5G is the next generation of wireless network technology. It is expected to provide faster connections with much higher capacity and very fast response times, allowing many more users and devices to access faster internet connections and large amounts of data at the same time.
He described the network as the fifth generation of wireless telecom technology (a progression on 2G, 3G & 4G) predicated on the twin pillars of increased speed and reliability. “5G will offer a significantly improved user experience by reason of its enhanced latency capabilities evidenced by much faster data exchange and response times.
“In Q3 2020, the worldwide median download speed over 5G was 954% faster than over 4G while the median upload speed over 5G was 311% faster than 4G.
In terms of infrastructure deployment to unleash 5G in the country, he said that 5G is expected to see a greater number of small cells (low powered base stations that can be mounted on buildings and street furniture) and will require wider deployment of full-fibre broadband infrastructure,” he explained.
Adebayo, therefore, said that the Federal Government, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the NCC have a responsibility to drive awareness on the benefits of the deployment of 5G.