The Fifth Generation (5G) network technology is becoming the topic of discussion within the mainstream.
The 5G network is the advanced form of 2G, 3G and 4G. Nigeria currently operates the last three, while a large number of advanced countries have adopted the 5G network. Though, there are some countries who are still considering its adoption in the next few years, because of its high connectivity speed that will drive new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Internet of Things (IoTs), among others. 5G is a system that will bring flexibility to mobile, fixed and broadcast networks and support more extensive data requirements. The technology will impact the way interactions are done by enabling in some cases, unforeseen business models, enhanced lifestyles all resulting in increased productivity. According to a Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) report, over 378 cities in 58 countries had 5G networks as of June 2021, up from 38 about a year ago. A dozen more have had 5G mobile technology deployed in part. It is in fact expected that 5G will reach one billion users in three and half year’s time, compared with four years for 4G and 12 years for 3G. In 2019, Nigeria became the first West African country to initiate 5G network trials, when its biggest telecoms provider, a telecom provider, ran spectrum tests in its offices across two locations (Lagos and Calabar). With support from mobile operators like Huawei, ZTE and Ericsson, the initial demos proved successful. Well, there are strong indications one of the indigenous telecommunication giants, 9Mobile, is working assiduously to deploy the Fifth Generation, 5G network in Nigeria soon.5G is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, which enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together, including machines, objects, and devices.
Telecommunication operators have said they are ready to apply for a 5G licence to enable them roll out the service across Nigeria.The operators disclosed this through their umbrella body, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo,said that telecoms operators were ready for 5G rollout, since most of the handsets and mobile devices recently produced by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), are 5G compatible.9mobile, being a major player in the telecommunication sector is very ready to explore the emerging 5G technology, anytime the NCC is ready to release licence and spectrum for 5G rollout.A source close to 9mobile, said although 9 mobile does not have 5G network on ground, but that it was already rolling out 4G network, which would enable it to roll out its 5G network, anytime NCC releases 5G spectrum licence.Observers have judged Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd. (EMTS), operators of ‘9mobile’s 4G network service as the fastest in Nigeria.EMTS acquired a Unified Access Service License from the Nigerian Communications Commission in 2007. The License enables EMTS to provide Fixed Telephony (wired or wireless), Digital Mobile Services, International Gateway Services and National/Regional Long Distance Services in addition to spectrum assignments in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands.9 mobile is committed to facilitating the development of the Nigerian economy and it is driving through several initiatives, such as the 9mobile telecommunications engineering program, which is the first taught master’s program in West Africa.
Though Prof. Umar Dambatta, Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), revealed that the commission had granted Airtel the right to demonstrate its own 5G services, to determine how efficient it can be.It has to be noted that MTN was given the same opportunity and the trial was carried out in 2019.
According to Danbatta, the NCC is in the process of another non-commercial trial with Airtel.This necessarily means they would do a better job than our indigenous company, 9mobile, whose brilliant initiatives in the telecommunications industry have been applauded many times. NCC only granted approval to the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and Non-Commercial 5G trials in the 3.5 and 26GHz bands to MTN Communications PLC, and another non-commercial trial with Airtel. Aside from its readiness to operate on the 5G level, detractors hardly know that in a competitive market, like Nigeria, from all indications, 9 Mobile understands and enjoys support from its various stakeholders, including its subscribers-base. This has helped the company muster enough gusto and courage to meet its obligations to its suppliers and services providers.9 Mobile has successfully given back to the society that gave birth to it, with different CSR initiatives. Recently, it provided free access to lecturers and students on tertiary educational technology platform, MyClassConnect.9mobile’s support with the technology solution, has ensured that users can access the platform without incurring mobile data costs.The partnership with MyClassConnect, a cloud-based single educational technology platform that facilitates both virtual and physical learning efficiency in higher institutions in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, is another avenue 9mobile is exploring to continue to provide innovative options for the academic community to continue teaching and learning while keeping safe during and after the pandemic.Also, in keeping with its commitment to strengthen and advance the growth of Nigeria’s media profession, 9 Mobile held the second edition of its capacity-building session for journalists drawn from across different news desks, in 2021.
Themed; “News Reporting: Using Analytics in News Gathering and Understanding of Audience Profile”, the session was facilitated by experienced multimedia producer and social media strategist, Usifo Omozokpea, who is currently the Audience Development Manager for West Africa at The Conversation Africa.These among many other Corporate Social Responsibilities are indicators to the fact that the network provider has been a genuine giver, not only to its stakeholders, but to the community it belongs to.Despite its several challenges, the telecoms service provider, 9mobile in December 2021, was recognised for its innovation in driving initiatives that solve critical societal challenges at the 15th edition of the Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Responsibility Awards (SERAs). The telecoms firm was awarded the Deborah Leipzigar Africa Prize for Innovation for powering the Bichi Emirate Digital Skills Project, an initiative aimed at empowering youths in the Bichi emirate of Kano state with the requisite digital skills needed to compete effectively on the global scene.Judging by the excitement about 5G, the future of the telecommunications industry presents a sustained hope. With a subscriber base of over 12, 789, 344 lines by the end of last year, which translates to a market share of just 6.55 per cent, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, 9 Mobile is not doing badly.
Olamide Adeniji is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspaper
