The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta has said that the Commission has not concluded plans for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network.
The CEO, added that the Commission only recently published the Draft Consultation Document on the Deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology in Nigeria
Danbatta said this during the capacity building programme for the members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) held in Lagos
He said, "Nigeria only undertook 5G trials in selected locations within the country in collaboration with an Operator in 2019. The trial, among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present."
According to him, "The Commission also has an ongoing engagement with the academia while at the same time funding 5G related research projects, all in a bid to ensure the nation is provided with the best in terms of research findings and policy input to drive the implementation and deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria."
Danbatta reiterated that 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.
In his word, "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 organizations."
He also noted that, "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."
The EVC, added that the misrepresentation of 5G technology has the potential of derailing the launch of this new technology in our clime.
"Many Nigerians including citizens in more civilized 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."
"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", the EVC added.
He also said, "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.
Umar assured NITRA that his Commission will continue to support capacity building and other initiatives which foster closer interaction and build stronger relationship with its members.
Also, while presenting a paper on 'Tips for doing good news, features and investigative copies, Declan Okpalaeke, urged the members of NITRA to always use their observation skills while sourcing for news.
He said, Following trends as well as combating myths and rumours are key to develop a great story ideas.
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