Misconception mars implementation of 5G network, says NCC
By Idris Bakare
Nigeria Communications Commission has expressed that misconception of 5G technology has trailed implementation in the country.
Speaking at the opening of a two-days capacity building for members of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Abuja chapter, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, explained that falsehoods and misinformation had been peddled both on the social media and traditional media outlets, with regard to the health and safety implications of deploying the 5G technology in Nigeria.
Danbatta, who was represented by Director, Public Affairs of NCC, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, noted that the misconception of the technology was even made worse because many journalists and telecoms consumers lacked sufficient information about the 5G technology.
According to him “The misinformation/misrepresentation of 5G technology has the potential of derailing the launch/implementation of this new technology in our clime.
“Many Nigerians including citizens in more civilised countries were hooked on the notion that the introduction of 5G technology was the reason behind the spread of the novel COVID-19 Pandemic.
“This 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 this new technology and hitched a ride on the band wagon of doubters,” he said.
Speaking on the economic benefit of 5G, Danbatta stated that 5G network would increase speed and bandwidth as well as deeper coverage to reach people in rural or challenging locations.
He said that the impact would be much greater than the current 4G network running in the country.
Danbatta said that the NCC would ensure that the information reached an average Nigerian timely and accurately.
He also said that the Commission would maintain the training periodically for stakeholders in the media and to support capacity building and other initiatives, which fostered closer interaction and build stronger relationship with NITRA.
“In addition, 5G will provide strong security for the various sectors of government and private organizations.
“Due to its sheer scale and scope, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) predicts 5G will accelerate the achievements of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) from affordable and clean energy to zero hunger,
“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.
“The onus is on all of us here today to make sure that we take this training seriously and take advantage of it to expand on our horizons.
“This is very necessary so that when we report events or activities relating to the industry, we are able to translate them into a language that the common man will readily understand,” he said.
