5G Network: Have Nigerians Fully Embrace It?

The 5G is the next generation of telecommunication technological advancement. 5G Network simply stands for fifth generation of mobile network. 

There had been 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G before research into 5G. The simple idea behind coming up with different mobile networks is to increase speed of internet services, as well as ease ways of doing things.

According to qualcomm, "5G Network is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices."

1. Brief historical account of 5G Network

Internet connectivity began with 1G. 1G stands for first generation of mobile network. Owing to research and advancement, there was a need to get things done faster on the internet. This led scientists to discover 2G after 1G. The same fate which led to discovery of 2G after 1G, led to the evolution of 3G and later on 4G. 

The 5G Network

The 4G network, which stands for fourth generation of mobile network is currently used in most countries of the world. Almost all internet service providers use 4G in Nigeria.

Information by verizon has it that the first launch of 5G dated back to December 2017. It added that the first set of customers to have 5G Network on their mobile phones were some residents of Chicago and Minneapolis in April, 2019.

2. Top countries using 5G Network

Currently in the world, some countries have given the greenlight to 5G Network. Some countries on the other hand, still have doubts and fear about 5G Network. Countries like Nigeria are bracing up to launch the 5G. 

"South Korea, China, and the United States are the countries that lead the world in building and deploying 5G technology. Telecommunications operators around the world—including AT&T Inc., KT Corp, and China Mobile have been racing to build the fifth-generation (5G) of wireless technology." Investopedia revealed.

Other countries where 5G has been launched include Germany, Canada, Australia and Japan.

3. Mixed feelings about 5G and diseases/pandemic

Radioactive waves do have a relationship with proliferation of cancerous cells in human beings. This has been scientifically proven. In addition, there are findings that telecommunication masts are advised not to be erected in residential areas, as they emit waves. 

During the heat of COVID-19 in Nigeria in 2020, there were different news flying around the corner over the health dangers the 5G Network will pose to Nigerians and the environment if eventually launched. Some reports had it that the launch of the 5G in some countries, led to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Unconfirmed information had it that radioactive waves from the 5G were responsible for the global COVID pandemic. 

It should be recalled some time last year that the National Assembly legislators asked questions if there were health dangers the 5G would bring if eventually launched in Nigeria.

Based on research into the health dangers 5G Network poses, there are arguments for and against it. One of such findings against 5G was published in August, 2020 by news.climate.columbia.edu, which part of the research stated that "the full deployment of 5G could have a disruptive impact on ecosystems. A Punjab University study found that sparrows exposed to cell tower radiation for five to 30 minutes produced disfigured eggs. In Spain, the nesting, breeding and roosting of birds were disturbed by microwave radiation from a cell tower."

On some of the advantages of 5G, many devices will be connected. Also, there will be higher internet transmission. In addition, there will be more possibilities of implementating virtual networks. On the health issues raised, proponents of 5G believe there is no cause for alarm.

4. Technology evolves with time.

The evolution of technology shows that doing things the old way will bring stagnation to growth and development. How will the world be like if we are still stuck with 1G Network? There would have been more of retrogression. Therefore, embracing a new technology as long as it does not have ethical issues is the way to go.

Nigerians will embrace any new technology, that will make ways of doing things easier and faster. More so, there should be enough assurances that the 5G Network is safe for the environment.

Following statements issued in recent times by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on the 5G Network, Nigerians have been informed to get ready for the deployment of the 5G Network in the country.

All fingers are crossed as Nigerians await the launch of the 5G Network. 

Oladele Hakeem Olaniyan , who lives in Nigeria wrote this article.