An information technology (IT) expert, Mr. Jide Awe says high cost of deployment may deny rural Nigerian’s access to the 5G network.
Awe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Jidaw Systems Ltd., said this in an interview in Lagos on Thursday.
He said most of the providers of 5G services are currently targeting the upscale market.
“We could have 5G in rural areas as well, but so many factors come into play; one has to think of the high cost of installation, and again, its high speed and low latency require more equipment to extend signals.
“It can work anywhere, but it is more expensive and powerful than other network generations.
“It would take a while before we can have real 5G penetration in Nigeria because, unlike the satellite, which can be present anywhere, 5G involves constant laying of fiber to provide coverage in any area,” he said.
The IT expert said that apart from the fact that providers were targeting urban and upscale markets, it was essential to also look into the affordability of 5G-compatible devices.
He noted that most people in rural areas might not be able to afford 5G-compatible devices, adding that it would be a loss for network providers to deploy 5G in such areas.
“In the long run, when there is mass adoption of 5G, we can start getting cheaper phones that are affordable for those in remote areas, and that would encourage network providers to penetrate those areas,” Awe said.
Speaking on other ways to boost 5G development, Awe stressed the need for the government to increase investment in satellite internet technology to accelerate digital inclusion across the country.
According to him, with technological developments, 5G satellite telecommunications will be a huge boom for both first responders and average cell phone users.
He said the deployment of satellite technology would enable those in remote or underserved areas to receive high-quality 5G satellite coverage instead of relying solely on expensive proprietary technology that still had coverage gaps.
