Danbatta: Misconception could derail launch of 5G technology in Nigeria

Last updated: 2020/10/27 at 8:35 PM

starconnect Published 27 October 2020

ITU says 5G will accelerate attainment of 17 MDGs

L-R: Grace Ojougboh, Head, Online Media & Special Publications, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Usma Malah, Director, Human Capital and Administration; Blessing Olaifa, Chairman, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Abuja Chapter; Prof. Mohammed Ajiya, President/Chief Executive Officer, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI); Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director, Public Affairs, NCC; Usman Mamman, Head, Human Capital, NCC; Bashir Bello, Head, Legislative & Government Relations, NCC and Truddy Tony-Awusaku, Principal Manager, Public Affairs, NCC, during the opening ceremony of the capacity building in at DBI, Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Wants ICT reported in simple language Nigerians understand
AS ITU says 5G will accelerate attainment of 17 MDGs

Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, October 27, 2020

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned that misinformation/misrepresentation of facts regarding the deployment of the fifth generation technology (5G) could derail the launch of the product in Nigeria.

The imperative of 5G network for Nigeria — ***Fifth Generation technology, 5G***

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta who gave the warning in his opening address at the capacity building programme for members of the Nigerian Information Technology Reporters Association(NITRA) in Abuja said 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”, he said.

Explaining the importance and the urgent need to implement the 5G technology, Danbatta said due to its sheer scale and scope, the ITU predicts that 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 this training 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”, he asserted.

The NCC boss noted that it is the duty and responsibility of NITRA other ICT writers to ensure that whatever is introduce to the Nigerian telecoms space is well understood by Nigerians and all those who make use of 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.

Giving more information about the 5G technology, Danbatta said a recent landmark economy study conducted by Qualcomm noted 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.

“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 explained.