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NCC wades into Coronavirus linkage with 5G, says controversy is untrue

Chidinma Nwagbara
Broadband subscriptions peak at 82.7m – Prof. Danbatta, NCC initiates second phase of sim deactivation, disables 2.2 million lines, MTN, Airtel, others contribute N6 trillion to GDP each quarter every year, NCC wades into coronavirus linkage with 5G, says controversy is untrue

Prof. Umar Danbatta, NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed reports connecting the 5G network to the outbreak  of Coronavirus.

In a statement that was signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Henry Nkemadu, the alleged link between Coronavirus and 5G network was described as “misleading” and with no proven evidence.

The statement also emphasized that there is no correlation whatsoever between the 5G network and COVID-19.

The statement went further to clear up other misconceptions that have circulated regarding 5G network in Nigeria. According to the Commission, there is currently no deployment of 5G in the country. Instead, the network was only approved for a 3-month testrun back in November 2019.

The NCC also reaffirmed that no license has been given to any telecoms operator in Nigeria to launch 5G network. Contrary to speculations, MTN Nigeria was only granted a trial spectrum, the statement said.

[READ MORE: Beware of sites offering free internet plans, NCC warns Nigerians)

In the meantime, no conclusion has been made regarding the trial. And as such, 5G commissioning will not commence just yet, until all doubts are cleared.

More details: The regulator went on to explain what 5G really entails. Part of the statement said:

“5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology which is an improvement of today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.

“It belongs to the same class of Non-ionising Radiation and a such not different from those of 2G, 3G and 4G, hence there is nothing to worry about as safety and human health are top priorities in the design and deployment of 5G.”

What you should know: Since the rumour about 5G killing people and causing the Coronavirus pandemic began circulating, there have been numerous arguments on social media. Some people have even called on the government to get rid of 5G.

However, several government agencies (including the Centre for Democracy and Development), have made taken it upon themselves to clarify and dispel the dangerous rumour.

 

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