As Nigeria awaits FG’s nod on 5G deployment

5G mast Source The verge

Feelers from the industry show that the only thing left between Nigeria and Fifth Generation (5G) network deployment is the Federal Government’s nod. ADEYEMI ADEPETUN reports.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Nigeria’s final journey into the deployment of 5G technology should begin soonest, hopefully in another month.

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Feelers from the industry showed that the only obstacle against the deployment of the technology in Nigeria is the Federal Government’s nod, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has tightened a supposed loose end that could have derailed or stopped the transition.
   
According to The Guardian checks, the earlier misconception about the technology has been dealt with, 5G technology trials have been conducted, spectrum for deployment is now available, a committee to auction the spectrum has been inaugurated, and the country is upbeat to have 5G provide huge support for FG’s digital economy drive.

The 5G Revolution
5G, which is the fifth-generation technology network, is the advanced form of 2G, 3G and 4G, which Nigeria currently operates. Large numbers of advanced countries of the world have adopted the 5G network, while others are considering its adoption in the next few years, because of its high connectivity speed that will drive new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Internet of Things (IoTs), among others.

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5G is designed to be a system that will bring flexibility to mobile, fixed and broadcast networks and support more extensive data requirements. The technology will impact the way interactions are done by enabling in some cases, unforeseen business models, enhanced lifestyles all resulting in increased productivity. 

Slow deployment in SSA, adoption ticks in five years
Despite its identified benefits, Ericsson Mobility Report for June 2021, showed that 5G network remains slow in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but it is expected to tick in the region over the next few years.
  
Although 5G subscriptions were still below one per cent of total subscribers in SSA at the end of 2020, Ericsson expects “discernible volumes of 5G subscriptions” by 2022, reaching about seven per cent in 2026.

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The report, however, noted that 3G will remain the dominant tech on the continent – with a share of over 40 per cent of mobile subscriptions in 2026. It predicted that 4G will grow to be about 28 per cent of the region’s subscriptions by 2026.
    
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, commercial 5G deployments are happening faster and 5G subscriptions exceeded one million at the end of 2020. Significant 5G volumes are expected in 2021 and the region is likely to reach around 150 million 5G subscriptions in 2026, representing 18 per cent of total mobile subscriptions.
   
Globally, 5G is expected to be the fastest deployed mobile communication technology in history and is forecast to cover about 60 per cent of the world’s population in 2026.

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At the end of 2020, 4G accounted for around 15 per cent of subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa while 3G was still the biggest portion at 43 per cent, followed by 2G at just under 42 per cent.

Nigeria’s Senate approves technology
After two trials conducted by MTN and Ericsson in 2019 with the supervision of the NCC, and misconceptions about the technology adequately dealt with, on May 18, Nigeria’s Upper Legislative Chamber, the Senate approved the deployment of the 5G network in Nigeria. This is following the outcome of investigations by a Joint Committee mandated to look into the Status of the 5G Network in Nigeria and its technological impact on Nigerian citizens.
   
The approval was sequel to the consideration and adoption of the report of Joint Committee on Communications, Science and Technology, ICT and Cyber Crimes, and Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases, presented by the Chairman, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.