Telecom
Quanta Monitor Can Now Tell Level of Radiation from Your Cellphone
Cellphone Radiation (CR) in a very hot topic multi-billion-dollar smartphone industry do not like to talk about, however, the issue is existing and now telecom regulators, operators and big public can start to use an innovation, and be aware about the level the radiation, and take some actions accordingly.
Obviously, there are growing concerns that electromagnetic radiation from one’s cellphone is absorbed by the head and body.
Exposure to such radio frequency energy has the potential to cause cancer, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2011.
Young, growing children, many of which are becoming addicted to social media and games have been identified as most vulnerable to the potentially damaging effects of cellphone radiation.
Thus, a Finnish startup- Cellraid, has taken up the challenge by developing unique applications to measure, monitor and also reduce exposure to cellphone radiation.
According to health experts, cell phones emit radiofrequency energy (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing radiation, from their antennas, but now, Cellraid is saying it is only small part of the radiation you should actively worry about.
Pasi Ala-Mieto, CEO Cellraid in a chat with Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, said they are quite concerned about the high level of exposure to radiation coming from cellphones hence they developed the world’s first apps for measuring mobile phone radiation.
Quanta Monitor is a free Android app that measures the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) output, power density, and cumulative exposure to radiofrequency emissions from your phone.
Quanta Guard takes things a step further by automatically cutting off your data connection if safe SAR limits are exceeded. “We tried both apps out to see how they work and learn just how much radiation we’re exposed to on a daily basis,” he said.
Pasi Ala-Mieto states further, “Our development is good news for, not only the 5 billion cellphone users, but also telecom operators, phone manufacturers and telecom authorities, all of which have the potential to benefit from our ability to make cellphone use less risky, especially the increasing number of very young users of smartphones.”
Researches
Recently, scientists engaged in the study of biological and health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) raised fresh alarm based on their peer-reviewed, published research.
The scientists said they have serious concerns regarding the ubiquitous and increasing exposure to EMF generated by electric and wireless devices.
According to a report by guardian.ng, these include–but are not limited to–radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitting devices, such as cellular and cordless phones and their base stations, Wi-Fi, broadcast antennas, smart meters, and baby monitors as well as electric devices and infra-structures used in the delivery of electricity that generate extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF).
The scientists were joined by Professor of Radiation & Health Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; and Dr.Idowu Ayisat Obe, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.
Nigeria CommunicationsWeek found that the concerns over cell phones and other wireless devices prompted Toronto’s Department of Public Health to warn teenagers and young children to limit their use of cell phones.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) established in 1998 the “Guidelines For Limiting Exposure To Time-Varying Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz)”. The WHO and numerous countries around the world accept these guidelines.
The WHO has also called for all nations to adopt the ICNIRP guidelines to encourage international harmonization of standards.
Nigerian Government’s Position
But, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has consistently refuted claims about telecoms equipment posing health hazards to the public. Though, the industry regulator has limited the discussions to telecom masts and towers, efforts to get the views of other industry player proved abortive as they were sceptical about commenting on the subject.
The Commission has severally relaxed the tension over the speculated health hazards that may arise as a result of erecting telecommunication masts near residential areas.
According to NCC, no research whatever had proved that Radio Frequency Exposure could enhance the possibility of contracting any disease.
They maintained that masts were not hazardous, saying that such fear was no scientific backup and urged participants at the event to pay less attention to such speculation and think more on how to move the industry forward.
How Cellphone Radiation Occurs
The CEO of Cellraid explains further “There are 5B phones causing non-necessary ‘extra radiation’ which means very fast battery consumption, which again means needs to burn coil, to charge these phones again. So far there is no institution which is really monitoring the RF exposure levels.
“Now when little kids are using their smartphones 24/7, phones in their pockets, data always on, and phone 0-10mm distance from their body hours, every day..and night…the 20 years old regulations to control SAR & power density (radiation levels) are not updated to face the real use of smartphones. Old regulation still suppose that the phone is at 15mm distance from the skull and only for voice talks, even the phone is on hand, pocket or close to body, rather than on the ear.
“We have developed Quanta Pro, that is for telecom operators and regulators to make RF Exposure measurements from the user perspective, to ensure that their operations are respecting the set limits. We are monitoring both uplink (phone), downlink (base station antennas) and additionally also wifi – just like the user is experiencing the ‘radiation’.
“In addition, we have developed solution for the consumers too; As, our technology is noting when the phone is close to body, head or hand, it can monitor the SAR level on real-time, and also limit the exposure levels, when certain thresholds are exceeded”.
How Quanta Operates
The solution, Quanta Pro, measures RF exposure level of the user in the field, streets, buildings, homes and places of work. The software runs on any Android device. It provides a low cost measurement solution for Telecom Authorities and Operators to identify high RF Exposure locations.
Quanta Pro is able to measure the combined level of radiation from the cellphone, network antennas and even Wi-Fi. At present network operators only measure radiation from network antennas (downlink). However, the main source of RF is the phone itself, which represents 99,9989% of all exposure.
“The strange thing is that telecom authorities and operators are focusing today on antennas that represent only 0,001% of the exposure”, CEO Ala-Mieto said. “I believe that soon every operator will measure the total level of RF exposure. And a real opportunity arises, when they compete to be “the healthiest choice” for their customers.
In addition, the company has developed Quanta Monitor, which is a free app for consumers, to monitor personal RF exposure levels, in real-time.“At last the user is able to know more about their own level of exposure to radio frequencies, at home and work, Quanta Monitor gives them the ability to compare networks, and keep a history of their accumulated exposure.”
Quanta Monitor and Quanta Guard are available in the Google Play Store for Android phones.
“We look forward co-operating with cellphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, as well as telecom operators and authorities”, said CEO Ala-Mieto respectfully and with the goal of “making all our communication life better”.
MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP), a six-month fully-funded certificate fellowship designed for media professionals, is redefining journalism and content creation in Nigeria.
Now in its fourth year, MIP, launched by MTN Nigeria in partnership with the School of Media and Communication (SMC), Pan-Atlantic University, is empowering journalists, broadcasters, and content creators with the tools to adapt, innovate, and thrive in today’s challenging media landscape.
Despite promising forecast that the market value of the Nigerian entertainment and media industry will grow from US$9.0bn in 2023 to US$13.6bn in 2028, the media sector has since grappled with issues such as limited access to training, financial instability, and the rapid decline of traditional revenue models. With digital platforms disrupting how news is consumed and monetised, journalists and media owners must rethink their approach.
MIP provides a structured learning environment where media professionals gain first-hand exposure to new industry trends, digital transformation, and the intersection of media and ICT. From data journalism to audience engagement strategies, participants leave the program with actionable skills that are shaping the future of storytelling in Nigeria.
A standout feature of MIP is its international study visit to South Africa, where fellows engage with leading media institutions, visit MTN Group’s headquarters, and participate in hands-on training sessions at the University of Johannesburg. This global exposure provides invaluable insights into how media practitioners in other markets are leveraging technology and innovation to stay ahead.
For many participants, this has been a career-defining experience. Juliet Tontoye, Vice-President, MIP Cohort 3, describes the program as ‘a turning point.’ “When we share our experiences with our colleagues at our respective media houses, we realize that the program’s benefits and impact are easier to experience than explain. In the past three months, MIP has been such an eye-opening journey. It’s a fellowship every media professional needs to experience. MTN has been such a wonderful host and we know this costs millions of Naira. However, we believe it will have a profound impact on our colleagues.”
Beyond individual impact, MIP is helping reshape the media industry by fostering collaboration and leadership. By bridging the gap between traditional journalism and digital innovation, the program ensures that fellows graduate not just as better storytellers, but as industry disruptors with a mission to create lasting change. The program’s 60 alumni, now spread across Nigeria’s top media organisations, are applying their knowledge to revolutionise newsrooms, create digital-first content strategies, and introduce sustainable business models.
According to Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria: “When we launched MIP in 2022, our goal was to enhance media professionals’ reporting capabilities and deepen their understanding of the technology sector, empowering them to become true media innovators. Seeing the impact of the programme over the past three years has been both inspiring and humbling. We are proud to continue this initiative and invite all eligible media professionals and content creators to seize this opportunity by applying for the fourth cohort.”
Similarly, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, stated: “SMC will leverage its extensive experience in training media professionals to equip this next cohort. And we will do this with our usual emphasis on creativity and ethics.”
With over 60 fellows trained since its inception in 2022, MIP is building a network of media advocates who are championing ethical reporting, storytelling innovation, and the smart use of technology in journalism.
MTN Nigeria has invested over NGN 300 Million in building Nigeria’s media industry in the past three years through its partnership with PAU.
As applications open for the 2025 cohort, the program continues to attract top-tier talent eager to take their careers to the next level and contribute to the transformation of Nigerian media.
For journalists, broadcasters, and content creators looking to future-proof their careers, the MTN Media Innovation Program is more than just a fellowship—it is a movement that is reshaping the industry, one fellow at a time.
Interested journalists, bloggers, and content creators can apply for the MIP 2025 at https://bit.ly/MTN_MIP2025.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, has been appointed as the Chair of the Anglophone Countries Committee of the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA).
The appointment, confirmed on April 2, underscores Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s data privacy efforts. Speaking after his confirmation, Olatunji urged members to prioritize collective efforts in protecting the privacy rights of over 1.4 billion Africans.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will host the 2025 NADPA Annual General Meeting and Conference in May. Themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” the event will showcase Nigeria’s strides in digital economy development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has charged the over 174 million telecoms subscribers in the country to constantly monitor their data usage to authenticate their consumption level.
This follows concerns being raised by telecoms consumers about the rapidity of data depletion on their devices.
The Commission particularly enjoined the consumers to always contact their service providers to make requests for cases of discrepancies noted in their data usage.
While the consumers are expected to contact their service providers to request for their usage history/statement where inconsistency exists in their data usage as first step, the Commission said they may also escalate such issues to the Commission through its toll-free Number 622 and social media platforms, especially if their requests are not satisfactorily handled.
The Commission, which also made some clarifications regarding the concerns being raised by the consumers around data usage, said the need to inform the consumers on their concerns is part of its commitment to protect and appropriately inform and educate the telecom consumer on industry issues.
Making further clarifications around data speed and usage, the Commission said data speed is the speed at which data is transferred between two devices, measured in megabits per second (Mbps or mbps), stressing that given the spread of Internet services and the immense investment in the sector, data rates have continued to increase and users may be unaware of how to measure data speed.
The telecoms regulator explained further that websites such as www.fast.com also provide an easy way for consumers to measure Internet speed on any device at any location.
“The higher the data speed, the quicker pages load-downloads and uploads-occur and expectedly, the quicker data bundles are exhausted. So, as telecom consumers are able to do more on devices in less time, some consumers’ devices & network service providers make it possible to limit data speed to help users manage data usage better.
“In any case, most devices now include functions to measure data used by devices and it is imperative that users monitor same to authenticate data usage, such as applications left running on devices. Therefore, where discrepancies occur users may contact their service provider to request for their usage history/statement. If request is not dealt with satisfactorily then, users can contact NCC by calling 622 or engage the Commission via its social media platforms”.
It added that the data usage experience is a function of location, network equipment and users connected in a particular location.
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