NIEEE Says 5G Can Never Pose Hazards to Human Health

NIGERIAN Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has weighed in on the controversy that next-generation telephone networks, popularly known as 5G technology may be harmful to human beings.

Mr Kings Adeyemi, national chairman of the institute, in a statement, said that the frequency that drives speed in technology, as well as the technicalities behind 5G operations, can never pose hazards to human health.

He said that the institute would continue to support the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the right decision was adopted to ensure smooth 5G mobile technology deployment.

Adeyemi said that Nigeria was lagging behind in its transition to 5G mobile network which, according to him, drives both telecommunication and internet connectivity speeds.

He called for increased investments in 5G network, which according to him is expected to be launched by 2030.

“The rollout of 5G networks is still at infancy stage globally. There is no 5G deployment in Nigeria as at this time.

“According to the GSM Association (GSMA), 4G network coverage in Nigeria is still below the average line, while the 3G network is far below full nationwide coverage.

“To enjoy 4G services, you need 4G network coverage, 4G compatible phone and 4G SIM for SIM-enabled devices, including your mobile phones.

“NIEEE will continue to advise gov

ernment and organisations and educate the public on matters within the jurisdiction of the electrical and electronic engineering profession. 5G will co-exist with predecessor generation networks.

“Kindly note that this publication is not intended to contend against existing procedures and regulatory instruments (local or international) but as insights to the concerned stakeholders,” he said.

Adeyemi identified concerns around the evolution of 5G network, noting that by NIEEE’s professional training, safety was of the highest priority to all electrical engineers.

“Mobile telecommunication is based on radio wave propagation, which is similar to other commonly known forms of radio communication such as broadcast radio and television.”

He explained that the systems operate in designated frequency bands within the electromagnetic spectrum and that every new generation mobile networks (G) had its delights and scepticisms.

The chairman said that evolution of every stage, spanned 10 and that 5G was a product of 10 years of research, planning, testing and fine-tuning.

“It is obvious that 5G is not just about human communication only but machine/devices communications and interactions with applications.

”It, therefore, means that 5G will usher in the interconnection of people, things and applications with little or no human intervention.