For Prince Osuagwu, High-tech editor
The federal government said Thursday that it had begun formulating policies to direct the deployment of 5G (the fifth generation mobile network) in Nigeria.
The technology is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks. 5G enables a new type of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together, including machines, objects, and devices.
Dropping the track on Thursday, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, said the move was to ensure that Nigeria does not miss out on the technological developments that have helped stabilize the economies of other countries around the world.
The Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Henry Nkemadu, said it was within the Commission’s rights, on behalf of the Federal Government, to do so, following the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, Section 4 (q ) that orders it to prepare and implement programs and plans that promote and ensure the development of the communications industry and the provision of communications services in the country.
NDDC lists the benefits
Nkemadu said: “In addition to this mandate, the Commission considered that the deployment of fifth generation (5G) technology will be beneficial to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
“The technology is a breakthrough in existing mobile technologies (2G – 4G) with enhanced capabilities that provide new and improved mobile communication services.
“Such enhancements include applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, advanced communication systems, cloud, 3D printing, mixed reality, simulation / image and gamification.
“This will bring improvements in manufacturing, transportation, utilities, health and social works, agriculture, energy, logistics, media and entertainment, mining and quarrying, machinery and equipment, automotive, education, information and communication, urban infrastructure, consumer experience, sports, semiconductor technologies, among others.
“The deployment of 5G technologies will consequently promote the national digital economy for a digital Nigeria that will improve the way Nigerians live and work. It has been implemented commercially and in use in some countries. “
“5G is safe for humans”
On the safety of 5G, NCC explained that “as with previous technologies, the International Commission for Protection against Non-Ionizing Radiation (ICNIRP) has classified 5G radiation as non-ionizing and therefore safe for Humans”.
Nkemadu said that in view of the successful completion of the 5G test conducted by MTN in November last year, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy had ordered the Commission to start developing a policy for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria.
However, he added that, in accordance with its powers under section 57 of the NCA, and the need for broad public consultation, the policy development process will involve a public investigation, which will involve all relevant stakeholders in the review and consultation process. .
Remember that there have been reports of a connection between 5G and human health failing, with particular mention of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, an analysis put the situation in the right perspective and explained why 5G is safe and it’s also the future.
Policy-making parties
Meanwhile, in formulating the 5G implementation policy, Nkemadu revealed that the commission has included the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Health, the National Agency for Compliance with Environmental Rules and Regulations, consumer advocacy groups, academia, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, as part of groups to help formulate policy.
Others include the Nigerian Medical Association, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Council for Engineering Regulation in Nigeria, mobile network operators, the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Engineers of ICT, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, the Association of licensed telecommunications operators of Nigeria, among others.
Good update
That’s great and lovely.
They should keep it up