NCC Clears Air On 5G Installation In Nigeria

The Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC, says the fifth generation (5G) technology has not been installed in the country.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the commission, Henry Nkemmadu, on Monday, it said false information has been over the internet about the telecom industry switching to 5G by May 12, 2020.

“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.

In the statement, the commission unequivocally stated that there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment.

NCC, in November, approved a trial test for 5G for a period of three (3) months. The trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned.

5G 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.

The executive vice chairman, Umar Danbata, in the statement, 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,” he said.

“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.”