African region urged to brace up for disruptions
Africa may host ITU next year
African countries have been called upon to brace up for disruptions as the world is gradually shifting from 3G, 4G and focus now is on 5G, which would make technology stronger.
International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, gave the charge at the 2017 edition of the Telecoms World Conference in Busan, South Korea, with the theme: ‘Digital Transformation, Global Opportunity.’
He urged Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt to champion next generation technologies in terms of use and adoption.
He noted that ‘‘5G is not finalised yet. ITU is working to improve its parameters and fix spectrum for it. Though some countries, including Korea, are already test running the technology, the standardisation will be fixed at the Plenary Assembly of Radio Communications Sector by 2019.’’
5G has higher capacity than current 4G, allowing a higher density of mobile broadband users, and supporting device-to-device, ultra reliable, and massive machine communications. Its research and development (R&D) also aims at lower latency than 4G equipment and lower battery consumption, for better implementation of the Internet of Things (IOTs).
Zhao, who revealed that the global mobile connectivity has hit 95 per cent, called on countries to brace up for the next phase of industrial revolution, which is the Fourth, warning that countries that are not investing will be left behind.
The ITU Scribe commended Nigeria for aiding the growth of mobile connectivity, adding that the footprint is seen across Africa and the world at large.
Zhao called for concerted effort from both public and private sectors, “so as to be able to move the about 3.9 billion people of the world that are still offline to the online space.”
However, the Minister of Communications and Postal Service, South Africa, Dr. Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, urged ITU to give Africa an opportunity to host the global edition come next year, stressing that South Africa, like other advanced countries, has what it takes to host the global event; and was more than ready to host the 2018 edition of ITU Telecom world.
According to Cwele, Africa is on the move, “the continent remains number one investment destination now and is ready for business.”
In his remark to the request for Africa’s chance to host ITU, Houlin, queried why Nigeria is not showing interest in hosting the conference, adding that hosting next edition in Africa will not be a bad thing since the prospect is there.
He underscored that the region has remained dynamic in the last one year; and has witnessed more development in technology related areas than other regions.
“The possibility is high for Africa to host. But it is not a decision I can make alone. The secretariat would consider the offer and communicate back to South Africa,” he remarked.
L-R: ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao and Prof. Umar Danbatta EVC NCC at 2017 Telecoms World Conference in Busan, South Korea
Stories by Tony Nwakaegho
