By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Correspondent Lagos
Leading Consulting and technology integration firm, Digital Encode Limited has partnered with eBusiness Life Communication Limited and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to organise a one-day forum on the Fifth Generation (5G) deployment in Nigeria, which coincides with the 20th year of GSM operation in the country.
The event which will hold on November 5, 2021 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Victoria Island Lagos, will look at the prospects of the Fifth Generation (5G) technology in Nigeria, while also proffering solutions to anticipated challenges in deployment, implementation and use of the technology.
According to the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, as the country starts the deployment of 5G technology, there is a need to preview all aspects and foreseeable challenges that may arise, and formulate ways of tackling them in order to create a seamless technology that will drive solutions eventually.
He emphasised on the need to ensure that security patches are in place for 5G deployment because of the massive and revolutionary services the technology will bring.
Digital Encode specialises in the design, management and security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other Information Technology (IT) infrastructures. The company, which specialises in Information security, Risk Management, Governance, Cybersecurity, Compliance and Computer Forensics,
The multi-award winning firm is in partnership with government agencies and other organisation on data and cybersecurity deployment, and has received both local and international recognition for its services.
Speaking in the light of the nation’s preparedness for 5G deployment, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/NCC) of the nation’s telecommunication regulatory body, the NCC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta noted: “Already, we are set for the auction some spectrum slots in 3.5GHz band. The other day I was at the National assembly, I informed the senate that we were 95% ready for 5G. Today as we speak, I am delighted to tell you that we are already at 97% completion.”
It is expected that the deployment of the 5G technology will spur services that will stimulate growth in different sectors of the Nigeria’s economy, including the health, education, financial and commerce sectors.
Speaking on the event, Publisher and CEO of eBusiness Life, Mrs Ufuoma Emuophedaro disclosed that panel a discussion will look at the infrastructure readiness of the service providers and expectations from the regulator and other public sector stakeholders. “We need to also know, how ready the entrepreneurs and tech Startups are? How ready other sector operators are to latch unto revolutionary 5G technology? Are there policies in place that will ensure that the consumers are well protected in terms or charges and service provisions? Are there collaborative opportunities? What do we expect and how do we tackle the expected rise in cyber insecurity that the technology will attract?”
With the theme, “GSM @ 20, Setting The Stage For The 5G Journey – Requirements, Deployment and Challenges”, the event will afford stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the level of preparedness of ICT stakeholders to embrace the challenge of being pivotal to the stability and growth of all other sectors through 5G deployment.
The event, which is expected to have the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami; EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communication Commission, (NCC) Prof. Umar Danbatta; as well as Captains of industry in attendance, will bring together Mobile Network Operators, telecom service providers , infrastructure companies, cybersecurity companies, among others to discuss the past, the present and the future of digital communication in Nigeria.
