Misinformation or misrepresentation of 5G technology has the potential of derailing its launch or implementation.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, gave this warning on Tuesday at the opening of a capacity building programme for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association, NITRA, in Abuja.
He said many Nigerians, including citizens in more civilised countries, believed in the notion that the introduction of 5G technology was the reason behind the spread of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the misconception was even made worse because those saddled with the responsibility of informing, educating and enlightening the average Nigerian telecom consumers were also bereft of the knowledge of the new technology.
According to him, they “hitched a ride on the band wagon of doubters.”
“This is the reason why training such as this is necessary for members of NITRA who have continued to cover the ICT industry in Nigeria. We will ensure that the NCC maintains this training periodically for our crucial stakeholders in the media to ensure that the information that reaches the average Nigerian is accurate and timely.
“It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that whatever we want to introduce to the Nigerian telecoms space is well understood by Nigerians and all those who make use of our telecoms services,” he said.
Danbatta reiterated the advantages of 5G technology.
His words: “As I stated in my speech during the NITRA Innovative Tech forum, according to a recent landmark economy study conducted by Qualcomm, 5G will affect the global economy and drive growth exponentially. 5G’s full economic effect will likely be realized across the globe by 2035, supporting a wide range of industries and potentially enabling up to $13.2 trillion worth of goods and services. This impact will be much greater than the current 4G network.
“5G when fully deployed will provide increased speed and bandwidth as well as provide deeper coverage to reach people in rural or challenging locations. In addition, 5G will provide strong security for the various sectors of government and private organisations.
“Due to its sheer scale and scope, the ITU predicts 5G will accelerate the achievements of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) from affordable and clean energy to zero hunger.”
