Africa to have appropriate cost effective devices for 5G deployment

Africa is priming itself for the introduction and roll out of 5G and steps need to be taken, roles that the different stakeholders play must be considered to ensure appropriate cost effective devices are in existence to avoid widening further the already existing digital divide.

There is no doubt that 4G and 5G shall be the catalyst networks that will see the massive simultaneous and almost instantaneous connectivity of billions of devices hence adequate preparation with our own digital development agenda for the complex scenario ahead is crucial.

“The move to the 5G era requires that as policy makers, we put in place policies and regulatory frameworks that support pro-investment and pro-innovation by focusing on areas such as releasing appropriate spectrum in a timely manner to industry, infrastructure development, economics around these new technologies, privacy and security,” read Sammy Itemere, Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting & Telecommunications, ICT Ministry on behalf of Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT who could not make it officially open the Third Annual Sub-Saharan Africa Spectrum Management Conference.

Kenya is currently preparing for the World Radio Conference in 2019, a conference the country says will be the right time for the region to discuss the foundations of 5G and prepare to shape the conversations on these emerging technologies.

“Africa has the potential to determine how spectrum will be allocated, but only in so far as we have our priorities right. 5G is perhaps gaining traction much faster than was anticipated and as experts, we must ensure that 5G does not create internet connectivity chasms between Africa and the rest of the world,” Mr. Itemere read.

“As we pursue discussion on 5G technology, which is a key subject of this meeting, we must stay prepared to take advantage of the opportunities and address any related challenges.  The stretch that will make 5G a reality in Africa requires convincing market-based research and home-grown innovations.  I therefore challenge all of us to visualize what we want for the continent and define our 5G dream for Africa,” added Francis Wangusi, Director General Communications Authority Of Kenya (CA) at the Conference.

Africa is set to have enough preparation in terms of conferences: African Telecommunications Union Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Nairobi in August and the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai in October before the World Radio Conference in 2019 to ensure as a continent it has opportunities to consolidate its positions and prepare to speak with one voice on these very important issues.

“May we be reminded as Africa, that the models we adapt will determine the extent of benefits we shall reap as a region. Administrations will be looking to identify 5G pioneer bands, but we must stop and introspect about our level of preparedness for decision time.  Having implemented 2G, 3G and now fourth generation technologies, we ought to apply the lessons learnt as we plan for the deployment of 5G whose battle is raging,” said Wangusi.

“Clearly, 5G will involve a profound change in operator business models and strategies, as well as innovative policies and regulations. With the fast pace of change, there is always increased disparity between rapid technological evolution vis a vis the slower pace of policies and regulations reviews,” he concluded.