NCC Decries Vandalization of Telecom Infrastructure As MTN Demo 5G in Lagos

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has decried the impact of vandalization of telecommunications infrastructure on quality of service as 5G trial is carried out around the country, noting that the effort in passing legislation on declaring telecom infrastructure critical national infrastructure will guarantee that Nigerians benefit optimally from the 5G technology.

Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, who stated this at the demo launch of 5G in Lagos by MTN, also affirmed that 5G will be the bedrock of future communications.

According to him, 5G launch is a testament to the support of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to the Nigerian Communications Commission and the private sector.

Danbatta, who spoke through Mr. Henry Ojiokpota, NCC’s Lagos Zonal Controller at the event, which attracted traditional rulers, medical practitioners, students and the representatives of Lagos state government, also quoted a GSMA report that 5G is expected to support significantly, faster mobile broadband speeds and lower latencies than earlier generation networks.

He noted that 5G will enable the full potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). “5G is a game-changer that will revolutionise the way of life from education to agriculture, security to entertainment, and governance in general” Danbatta stated.

Explaining further, the EVC said the availability of a fast wireless network will enable virtual learning and empower students and teachers to re-imagine what is possible inside and outside their classrooms.

In healthcare delivery, Danbatta said 5G will ease Artificial Intelligence (AI) and revolutionise healthcare as it makes it easier to organise diagnoses and to decide on the best treatment plan for a specific patients.

“As demonstrated here today, by moving to 5G networks, healthcare organisations can use the AI tools they need to provide the best care possible from wherever they are in the hospital or clinic,” he stated.

Lagos is the third city in Nigeria, where MTN has demonstrated the potency of 5G technology. The demonstration of the technology had earlier taken place at Abuja and Calabar on 25th and 28th November respectively.