Dr. Aminu Maida, NCC Executive Vice Chairman;
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised telecommunications operators in Nigeria to prepare for increasing risks as technology advances from the current 5G to future generations such as 6G and 7G.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave this warning during the two-day Telecommunications Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos on Tuesday.
Themed “Evolving the Telecommunications Industry and Managing Future Risks: Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Trends,” the conference aimed to address new challenges as technology advances.
Dr. Maida emphasized that the transition to more advanced technologies poses a variety of risks for carriers, ranging from cybersecurity threats to ethical issues.
Preparation of future
Dr Maida, whose meeting was attended by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Ubale Masuka, highlighted the technological advancements from the current 5G to the anticipated 7G, saying:
- “It is important to consider the future when navigating the 5G network landscape, which is characterized by an expanded attack surface due to the increasing number of connected devices and the densification of network infrastructure.
- “The advent of 6G technology marks the next milestone in wireless communications. With its higher speeds, reduced latency, and potential for innovative applications, 6G will dramatically improve our connected experience. Nevertheless, this progress also requires us to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical challenges, to ensure a secure and fair digital future. Masu.
- “Furthermore, the possibilities of 7G technology beckon. With each generational leap, we encounter not only technological advances but also new challenges.
- “Preparing for and managing the risks associated with 7G requires collaboration, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to seamlessly integrate this technology into our global networks.”
emerging technology
Dr. Maida noted that in addition to evolving connectivity, carriers need to consider the impact of emerging technologies such as quantum computing, advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology.
He noted that while these advances offer significant opportunities to transform the industry, they also pose complex challenges that need to be integrated into carriers’ risk management strategies.
The NCC chief said the regulator remains committed to fostering an environment that fosters innovation, while prioritizing the safety and stability of communications infrastructure.
- “As we navigate the uncharted territory of 5G and next-generation wireless technologies, we are working to build a partnership between regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders to share best practices, threat intelligence, and resources, and implement robust risk management strategies. Collaborative efforts become even more important.
- “Therefore, we must move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures to harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.” he added.
Also speaking at the event was Kelechi Nwankwo, Head of Corporate Strategy and Risk Management at NCC, who said the conference was an industry-wide initiative to identify evolving risks and challenges while capturing the vast opportunities presented by emerging technologies and trends. It was praised as a testament to the company’s dedicated efforts.
- “From 5G networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) to artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, the possibilities are endless. But with great opportunity comes great risk, and we need to ensure the industry’s growth and sustainability. It is our shared obligation to reduce these risks.” he said:
