The deployment of fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology in Nigeria will not occur until all relevant stakeholders are consulted, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency said it was yet to conclude plans on how the technology would be used in the country.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as with the previous technologies such as 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G, the commission will not commence 5G deployment without due consultation with all relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.
The NCC explained that the recently published draft consultation document on 5G was just to give an update, stressing that the document defines the implementation plan for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria, providing a background into the benefits of 5G technology and outlining the commission’s plans and strategies for a successful implementation of 5G in Nigeria.
It further stated that the document presents guidelines for the relevant areas of the technology and its expectations from operators and all the stakeholders in the communications industry in Nigeria.
Recall that in 2019, Nigeria undertook 5G trials in selected locations within the country in collaboration with an operator. The trial, among others, was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present.
But the NCC said at the moment, it was engaging with the academia and fund 5G related research projects to learn more about the technology, which has come under criticism because of some fears raised.
The agency said these engagements are targeted at enabling the development of robust policies, which will put Nigeria in the best place to contribute maximally to the digital economy drive of the nation.
The specific targets of these engagements include the development of policies which have the potential of accelerating the deployment of 5G networks in Nigeria; maximising the productivity and efficiency benefits of 5G to the nation; creating new opportunities for Nigerian businesses at home and abroad and encouraging in-country investment; and ensuring the operations of 5G networks are in conformity with international standards
