By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has quieted rumours making the rounds about the use of the fifth generation (5G) technology in some parts of the country.
The telecommunications regulation agency in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr Henry Nkemmadu, on Monday, May 11, said false information has been over the internet about the telecom industry switching to 5G by May 12, 2020.
Following this, the commission clearly assured Nigerians that there was no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment.
“The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to a mischievous statement making the rounds on social media like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and other sites that the Nigerian telecoms industry is going to switch on Fifth Generation (5G) in Lagos this Sunday 10th, Monday 11th or Tuesday 12th May 2020,” it said.
The commission in November 2019 approved a trial test for 5G for a period of three months. The trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned, but there has been a raging rumour connecting the COVID-19 pandemic and 5G technology.
The statement, citing the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Mr Umar Danbata, said the trial, among others, was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present.
“Relevant stakeholders, including members of the security agencies, were invited to participate during the trial.
“The NCC will continue to maintain its policy of technology neutrality and will continue to encourage service providers to deploy the best technology that will meet the needs of the society in a secured and friendly manner,” he said.
5G technology is a fifth generation of mobile technology, which is an improvement on the current 4G technology being used, with enhanced capabilities.
The technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.
According to the statement, NCC had provided clarifications through ‘Frequently Asked Questions on 5G’ in view of the recent developments.
‘’As the telecoms regulator, we enjoin Nigerians to get accurate information from us rather than relying on information emanating on social media by some individuals out of ignorance to misinform our people,” the statement noted.
