Dr. Aminu Maida, Nigeria’s chief telecommunications regulator, has stated why the industry should embrace the power of new generation technologies and trends to build a resilient industry and move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures.
Dr. Maida, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), made the remark at the Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos, recently.
Speaking on the conference theme: ‘Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends’, the EVC said that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way people communicate, connect, and conduct business.
“As we navigate this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount. Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
“While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future.
“We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity.
According to Statista:
The 6G user-experienced data rate is expected to reach 1,000 Mbps, ten times faster than the user-experienced data rate of 5G.
While higher-band spectrum brings faster speeds it also poses problems that need to be solved, including difficulties in penetrating walls and water.
However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.
7G: Intelligent Technology of the Inevitable
Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon.
To this end, the EVC said “As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges.
“Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.
“In addition to the evolution of connectivity, we must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively. However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure. As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources and implementing robust risk management strategies.
“We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.