As Nigerians anticipate the launch of the 5G network in August, the Nigerian Communications Commission has said that certain challenges may hamper the effective deployment of the fifth-generation network in the country.
This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, during the 90th edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament hosted by the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the commission.
According to a statement signed by the new NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, some of the identified challenges include limited frequencies with the required spectral efficiency, skilled professionals with requisite knowledge of the technology, fewer 5G-enabled devices, and cost of deployment.
“He identified some challenges in the deployment to include limited frequencies with the required spectral efficiency, skilled professionals with requisite knowledge of the technology, fewer number of 5G-enabled devices, and cost of deployment but stated that the industry must work to turn the challenges into opportunities rather than seeing them as obstacles.
“Danbatta said the issues that should militate against or slow down the deployment of 5G technology are themselves opportunities that can potentially create new revenue streams or new subsectors in the industry,” the statement read in part.
The NCC EVC further stressed the need for industry stakeholders to stand with the Commission to explore the prospects and potential of the new technology.
He was quoted as saying, “We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across sectors to ensure faster deployment of 5G services, and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s broadband infrastructure.”
The NCC said that it would rollout the 5G network by August.
