Telecom

Telecom Equipment and Radiation Concerns

Published

16 years ago

July 14, 2008

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Proliferation of antennas installed by Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators and microwave equipment by Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) counterparts have been condemned by environmentalist not only because it distort environmental esthetics by also its health implications. This report looks at the health concerns of using mobile phone or living close to microwave equipment

The liberalization and revolution being experience in the telecommunications sector has been greeted with mixed feelings, while greater percentage of Nigerians are celebrating for breaking the jinxes of access to telephone service that was exclusively reserved for the rich, very few are expressing concerns over fear of radiation from microwave equipments installed by operators in their base stations as well as handsets.

Radiation is electromagnetic and it consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together through space at the speed of light. We live in a world of radiation and we are exposed to both natural and man-made radiations, every second of our life, we are exposed to all forms of radiation such as ultraviolet light from the sun and radiowaves from radio and television broadcasts.

Dr. M. A. Aweda consultant medical physicist department of radiation biology and radiotherapy

College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, said there are two major effects of microwave radiation exposures that includes heating effect manifested in form of temperature increase and indirect effect which is when microwave interacts with water molecules to break it down to hydroxides, peroxides, superoxides, acqueous electrons, radicals which are very reactive chemically. "These products are toxic to living cells," he said.

These concerns have been wide spread that some state governments are attempting to regulate the deployment of base stations by telecom operators citing radiation effect as reason. A case in point is the running battle between Lagos State Infrastructure and Maintenance Regulatory Agency (Lasimra) and telecom operators.

Aside the taxation issues in the attempt by Lasimra to regulate deployment of base transmitting stations the agency has cited health implications on the people living close to Base Stations. Mr. Jeo Igbokwe, general manager, Lasimra had relied on a report on a research which he alleged is "still gathering momentum" in the Daily Mail London of 7^{th August last year implying that there is a casual connection between cancer patients and the fact that they live close to mobile mast installations and in order words that proximity to mobile installations such as masts can cause cancer. He went further that the Lasimra proposes shortly to set up a research team who will undertake research into the effects of telecoms Base Stations in Lagos State.}

Perceived health concerns over proximity of humans to telecommunications installations / equipment and use of mobile phones are unfounded though it has remained an issue of concern to both the general public globally and the global telecoms industry.

Telecoms operators in Nigeria are registered and responsible members of the global Industry body, the GSM Association (GSMA), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Group. Thus, all Nigerian operators benefit from a huge body of research undertaken independently by the different industry bodies in conjunction with international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU).

Past and ongoing research and studies have been conducted by the GSMA independently and in collaboration with WHO as well as by several other international organizations on possible effects on human health of proximity to telecommunications installations and equipment and use of mobile phones. These studies and research till date have failed to show any casual link between adverse health effects and telecommunications installations and equipment, and use of mobile phones.

In 2002 vodafone, a GSM operator in Britain had sought to install mobile telephone antennae in the towers of the Churches of St. Margaret, Hawes and Holy Trinity, Knaresborough, in the leads area of England. This action resulted in objections from residents within the vicinity of the Churches, primarily on the grounds of health risks from living close to the antennae. Vodafone petitioned the leads combined Court in the recent English cases of St. Margaret Hawes (No. 215 of 2002) and Holy Trinity Knaresborough (No. 233 of 2002).

The issue for determination before the Court was whether radiation from a telecommunications base station may affect the health of humans in the vicinities of such base stations and was resolved by determining the appropriate base station radiation emission threshold.

Vodafone’s case was based on the recommendation that the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation protection (ICNIRP) guidelines is the most widely accepted and should therefore be applicable. The objectors preferred the "Salzburg Resolution "(a different standard) which has lower thresholds than those of the ICNIRP guidelines.

Both vodafone and the objectors agreed that base station radiofrequency field are not strong enough to damage chemical bonds in the human body and are not cumulative over time. The parties also agreed that base stations radiations are less intense than those from a basic domestic appliance like the microwave and therefore cannot heat up (have a thermal effect on) a human body like such appliances could.

The Court held that research and scientific studies on human health and the relationship between exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields and different types of cancer, reproductive problems, congenital anomalies, epilepsy, headaches and suicide etcetera do not provide any conclusive evidence of adverse health effects. Further, the Court held that the balance of evidence to date suggests that exposures of RF radiation below the thresholds set by the UK National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) and ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to humans.

However, all deployed telecoms equipment, installations, terminal equipment, mobile handsets and customer premise equipment sold by all Nigerian telecoms operations in their varied bundled promotions are type-approved by the telecommunications industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in compliance with the electromagnetic field (EMF) thresholds set by the ICNIRP guidelines, the ITU, institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IFEEE), amongst other industry standards setting bodies and as such do not pose any health threats.

At the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) monthly Telecoms Consumer Parliament held in Maiduguri on 2nd May 2006, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, executive commissioner, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, NCC, who represented Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman of the commission in response to an enquiry by a learned Professor of the University of Maiduguri, made a clarification amongst others, to the effect the "there is no known conclusive Scientific evidence at present to indicate that radiation from telecommunication masts or handsets could cause such dangerous diseases as cancer among humans.

Mobile phone

The widespread use of mobile phones is a recent phenomenon. The use of cell phones and related technologies will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. Wireless devices such as cell phones, utilize radio waves (radiofrequency or electromagnetic fields) to transmit information.

Naturally, reports that suggest cell phones radiation may impact children’s health would raise questions in the minds of parents.

Dr. O.B. Eletu, managing director, MMSL said that the use of mobile phones by children is increasingly widespread and commencing at a younger age.

According to him pre-adolescent children can be expected to be (potentially) more at risk in the use of cell phone than are adults because the absorption of microwaves of the frequency used in cell phones is greater in an object about the size of a child’s head – the so-called head resonance – than in an adult’s. Thinner skull of a child allows more penetration of the radiation into the brain than in an adult.

The developing nervous system and associated brain-wave activity in a child are more vulnerable to the pulses of microwaves used in GSM than in a mature adult

The increased mitotic activity Eletu said in the cells of developing children makes them more susceptible to genetic damage.

"A child’s immune system is generally less robust than that of an adult, so that the child is less able to cope with any adverse health effect provoked by (chronic) exposure to such radiation," he said.

Dr. Eletu quoted chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) conclusion that there was no proven health risks associated with mobile phones but that children should minimize their use as a precaution. He added that May 2001 research in America which suggested that children’s brains absorbed 50-70 per cent more radiation from handsets than adults because their skulls were smaller.

More so, NCC had stated that research so far conducted have indicate that the use of mobile phones and proximity to telecommunications installations and equipment including base Stations, masts and antennae amongst others do not pose a risk to human health.

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Telecom

ALTON, ATCON Urge FG to Address Telecoms Industry Challenges

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), representing Mobile Network Operators and telecommunication companies in Nigeria, are calling upon the government to take decisive action in addressing the numerous challenges confronting the telecommunications industry.

In a statement jointly signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON and Engr. Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, ATCON President, the associations underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to overcome obstacles hindering the sector’s growth and development.

Infrastructure Deficits: ALTON & ATCON members still lack access to essential telecommunication services due to a myriad of challenges, including multiple taxation and regulations and prohibitive Right of Way (RoW) charges, inadequate electric power supply and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

Protection of Assets and Network Infrastructure: Advocating for legislation that

designates telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (“CNI”): Both Associations expressed deep concern over the escalating security threats facing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.

Telecommunications infrastructure undisputedly plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and socioeconomic growth, especially as the country currently contends with multiple security challenges that require urgent and immediate actions in response to these threats.

Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt telecommunications services and result in significant financial losses for operators.

The associations urge the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications infrastructure and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection measures and combat vandalism and sabotage effectively.

Cost-Reflective Tariff of Services: ALTON and ATCON respectfully reiterate that telecommunications infrastructure development requires substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades.

Despite the adverse economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last (11) years, primarily due to regulatory constraints.

For a fully liberalized and deregulated sector, the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities, threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence.

ATCON and ALTON call upon the government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.

Regulatory Independence: ALTON & ATCON advocates for the sustenance of a culture of independence in the regulatory landscape to safeguard against undue influence and unwholesome incursion into the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) or (Commission) domain, which will inspire trust in the telecommunications sector and encourage investment.

Regulatory neutrality and independence are crucial to ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector. Statutory provisions lend credence to this notion, as a lack of an impartial regulator will lead to a failure to maintain public confidence in the objectivity and independence of its decisions.

ALTON and ATCON reaffirms its commitment to working collaboratively with the government to address the challenges facing the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

By fostering a conducive regulatory environment, prioritizing infrastructure development, enhancing security measures, and facilitating pricing adjustments, the government can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driving economic growth and societal development.

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Qualcomm Shortlists Startups for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024 and Awards 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund

Published

13 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Qualcomm Incorporated today announced the shortlisted startups for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2024, as well as the winner of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund.

The Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform, now in its second year, aims to work with and support the development of Africa’s emerging technology ecosystem by providing mentorship, education, and training programs with a focus on 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT. This year, Qualcomm received an overwhelming response, with approximately 250 applications from 30 countries.

Highlights: 

Startup cohort announced for 2024 Qualcomm Make in Africa startup incubation program featuring technologies.
Announcement of the awardee of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund, supporting startups in scaling their societal and market impact.
Development of L2Pro Africa website content nears completion, providing free online training on intellectual property protection.

As the first initiative of its kind in Africa, Qualcomm Make in Africa is an equity-free mentorship program that identifies promising early-stage startups keen on applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies such as 5G, Edge-AI/ML, Compute, and IoT to innovative end-to-end systems solutions, including hardware.

These startups have demonstrated exceptional potential in applying advanced connectivity and processing technologies to innovative end-to-end systems solutions.

The selected startups will receive free mentorship, business coaching, access to engineering consultation for product development, and guidance on protecting intellectual property. The 2024 cohort includes the following startups (listed in alphabetical order):

Aurora Health from Kenya provides AI-based cardiovascular health care tools
CropScan from Kenya uses solar-powered smart farming IoT devices
Cure Bionics from Tunisia makes smart 3D printed prosthetic arms
DevisionX from Egypt provides AI-based low-code computer vision tools
Kalio from Cameroon is building AI tools for Agricultural IoT
Kitovu from Nigeria provides tools and software for smart agricultural warehouse management
NextAI Studios from Kenya builds AI-based emotion detection into toys for children’s mental healthcare
RIM Nextgen from Kenya, uses smart tools for monitoring propane consumption
Sparcx from South Africa uses AI for enhancing radar signal processing
Vizmerald from Tunisia, is working on AI-based textile industry inspection

Qualcomm is also proud to announce the awardee of the 2023 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. This fund, provided by Qualcomm through its Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative, aims to support startups in scaling their societal and market impact.

Ecorich Solutions Limited, a female-founded organization based in Nairobi, Kenya, will be awarded funding to help scale the impact of their smart organic food composter.

Wireless Reach funding will support Ecorich to address the dual challenge of organic waste management and the need for sustainable agricultural practices, with the goal of reducing environmental pollution, improving crop yields for farmers, and mitigating waste-related health risks for communities.

The other nine startups from the 2023 cohort will also receive valuable stipends to continue fueling their growth. These startups have showcased innovative uses of wireless technology to address pressing needs in their communities.

In addition, Qualcomm is excited to highlight the progress of the L2Pro Africa IP e-learning Platform, a free online training program designed to empower startups, SMEs, and researchers in Africa to protect, secure, and maximize their innovations. This program has been created in collaboration with Adams and Adams, Africa’s leading intellectual property (IP) law firm.

The education content has been updated with individual filing procedures for patents, industrial designs, and trademarks in the countries of Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda and within the two African patent organizations, ARIPO and OAPI.

These step-by-step descriptions of per-country filing requirements empower inventors to interact effectively with IP professionals such as an IP attorney and their respective IP offices.

“I am thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Africa Innovation Platform this year,” said Alex Rogers, President, QTL & Global Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“The quality and diversity of the applications received reflect the immense talent and potential within Africa’s technology ecosystem.

“We are excited to work with the shortlisted startups and provide them with the necessary resources and support to drive innovation and create a positive impact in their communities.”

“We applaud Qualcomm for launching the second year of its Innovate in Africa Platform, which not only equips the upcoming generation of African entrepreneurs with expertise in pivotal areas like AI/ML, healthcare, agri-tech, smart cities, and communications but also empowers them to safeguard their intellectual property through the complimentary L2ProAfrica program.”, said John Omo, secretary general, African Telecommunications Union (ATU).

Mr. Omo also emphasized that the ATU remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent. “Our youth innovation program, among other initiatives, plays a crucial role in cultivating the talents and aspirations of Africa’s young visionaries,” he affirmed. “We are ready to collaborate with additional partners to realize this objective.”

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Mastercard and CEBIH join forces to bolster cybersecurity in Nigeria

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13 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Ugo Onwuaso

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Mastercard, in collaboration with the Committee of E-Banking Industry Heads for Nigeria (CeBIH), recently hosted the second edition of its annual Fraud Forum in Lagos, Nigeria. Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, this year’s forum convened key industry players ranging from financial institutions, payment service banks, and fintech companies, to discuss critical issues such as threats and vulnerability, intel-sharing, and best practices in combating industry risks.

The cybersecurity event, attended by key public and private sector actors, also covered the regional threat landscape based on Mastercard’s strategic threat intelligence data. This timely intervention is crucial in a region where cyberattacks remain prevalent, especially amidst Nigeria’s rapid economic expansion and widespread adoption of digital financial services.

Recent data from the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) revealed a staggering 276% increase in fraud-related losses within Nigeria’s deposit banks, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance and proactive cybersecurity strategies within the financial sector. In response to the escalating threats amid Nigeria’s bourgeoning financial landscape, key government bodies have called for enhanced collaboration within the payment systems’ ecosystem to curtail the rise in E-Fraud in the country.

“We are excited to continue the Fraud Forum in Nigeria,” said Kari Tukur, Vice President, Customer and Solutions Center, West & East Africa, Mastercard. “With cyberattacks posing serious challenges within the Nigerian financial ecosystem, we take pride in establishing a platform where key stakeholders can convene, network, and exchange best practices to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities. Mastercard remains committed to creating unique and essential solutions to help business owners protect themselves and their customers against vulnerabilities, and this platform provides us with an opportunity to drive knowledge regarding these solutions as we aim to elevate cybersecurity standards and ensure the resilience of the Nigerian financial ecosystem.”

The forum delved into various aspects of cybersecurity, including common attack methods used by cyber criminals, their motivations, the assets they target, and the best practices to safeguard against attacks. Attendees gained valuable insights into the regional cyber threat landscape, with a focus on the financial services sector, which has become a prime target for cybercriminals in recent years. It also presented an avenue for Mastercard to showcase its latest fraud prevention techniques and tools, including the Mastercard Decision Intelligence, a real-time authorization decisioning solution that empowers issuers to approve more genuine transactions while effectively managing risk.

“We are delighted to partner with Mastercard on another edition of the Mastercard Fraud Forum in Nigeria. This event continues to serve as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and experts to convene and address the evolving landscape of fraud and cybersecurity challenges, especially in a period marked by increased sophistication. With this year’s edition, we continue to deepen our commitment to fostering collaboration and implementing effective strategies to combat fraud and safeguard the integrity of the financial ecosystem.” Temitope Onibaniyi, Secretary, Emerging Payments of CeBIH, representing Celestina Appeal, the CeBIH Chairman, added.

The forum aligns with Mastercard’s goal of providing clarity to the complex cybersecurity landscape, in a bid to foster an ecosystem where digital transactions are built on trust. As part of its commitment to combating fraud, Mastercard also announced that it will be sponsoring the CeBIH Quarterly Sessions for the second consecutive year, bringing together industry experts to discuss the latest trends in fraud prevention and share best practices for protecting customers.

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