NCC, ATCON, ALTON condemn conspiracy theories relating 5G to COVID-19

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) have condemned as baseless and dubious, claims in some quarters that 5G is responsible for the coronavirus pandemic rampaging over 180 countries across the globe.

NCC is Nigeria’s telecoms ombudsman.  ATCON and ALTON represent more than 300 technology services operators in Nigeria including mobile network operators (MNOs) such as MTN, Airtel and Globacom.

The regulator affirmed in an official statement signed and released in Abuja by its Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Henry Nkemadu that 5G has no correlation with coronavirus.

“In view of the recent development in which misleading materials with no proven evidence are being circulated to link coronavirus or COVID-19 with 5G technology, it has become imperative for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide the following clarifications:

“Firstly, there is no correlation between 5G Technology and COVID-19. 5G is an advancement on today’s 4G technology, designed to transform the world positively.

“Secondly, there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment. The NCC back in November 2019 approved trial test for 5G for a period of three (3) months, and the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned.

“The trial among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. Relevant stakeholders including members of the security agencies were invited to participate during the trial,” said Nkemadu.

President of ATCON, Olusola Teniola, in a statement issued in Lagos, at the weekend, expressed similar position:  “ATCON wishes to inform telecom consumers, other stakeholders and the entire Nigerians, without any equivocation, that the purported claims that 5G is responsible for COVID-19 is baseless and it should be discountenanced by Nigerians as what it is: false information.”

Also, a concerned ALTON issued similar statement in Lagos.  

“There is no iota of truth that 5G technology is the cause of the coronavirus pandemic. The virus is also spreading in places without 5G networks like Nigeria. There are many parts of the world that do not have 5G coverage yet but are still affected by the virus [including] parts of United Kingdom and Iran. Russia has no 5G for commercial use (except for some of their military deployments), etc.”  

ALTON’s statement was jointly signed by its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo and Head of Operations, Gbolahan Awonuga.

Earlier, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, had issued a statement to address the disinformation.

The 5G and coronavirus conspiracies broke across social media in Nigeria last week and gained momentum as religious leaders and other social influencers lapped on the controversies as authoritative viewpoints in the technology world.

The 5G technology is the fifth generation in the evolution of the Global System for Mobile (GSM), the prevailing mobile telephony technology in the world.

In the last decade, conspiracy theories have abounded on the health risk of not only 5G but the generations that preceded it including 3G, 4G and even 2G. But 5G has drawn much debates largely fueled by the politics and market competition between the West (USA) and East (China).

For many knowledgeable experts in the field, the recent debate linking 5G to COVID-19 though atrocious underscore the competition over who leads the frontline in the next generation of GSM.

The conspiracy theories have been severely dismissed by highly respected global bodies including the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), World Health Organization (WHO), and the GSM Association (GSMA) among others.

The ICNIRP affirmed that “scientific literature published since the 1998 guidelines has provided no evidence of any adverse effects below the basic restrictions and does not necessitate an immediate revision of its guidance on limiting exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields.”

STATEMENTS BY NCC, ATCON AND ALTON

NCC clears doubts over 5G, COVID-19 and Security

In view of the recent development in which misleading materials with no proven evidence are being circulated to link CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19 with 5G Technology, it has become imperative for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide the following clarifications:

Firstly, there is no correlation between 5G Technology and COVID-19. 5G is an advancement on today’s 4G technology, designed to transform the world positively.

Secondly, there is no deployment of 5G in Nigeria at the moment. The NCC back in November 2019 approved trial test for 5G for a period of three (3) months, and the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned.

The trial among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. Relevant stakeholders including members of the security agencies were invited to participate during the trial.

The NCC will continue to maintain its policy of technology neutrality and will continue to encourage Service Providers to deploy the best technology that will meet the needs of the society in a secured and friendly manner.

The following are some Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is 5G ?

Ans: 5G is a fifth generation of mobile technology which is an improvement on today’s 4G technology with enhanced capabilities. The 5G technology provides the platform for new and emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to improve the way we live and work.

•  Do we have 5G network in Nigeria now?

Ans: No. There is no 5G network in Nigeria at the moment. What we had was a trial test for 3 months which has since been concluded.

• When are we expecting 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. No exact time frame but when conditions are right and all doubts are cleared.

• Do we have spectrum for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. Yes, particularly the millimetre wave spectrum from 24GHz and above are available.

• Have we given out 5G spectrum to operators?

Ans. No. It will be auctioned at the appropriate time.

•  Are there 5G deployment around the world?

Ans. Yes, in countries like South Korea, China, USA, Germany and others since middle of 2019.

•  Is the radiation from 5G different from those of 2G, 3G and 4G?

Ans. No, they all belong to the same class of Non-ionizing Radiation.

•  Who is going to Allocate spectrum for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) Chaired by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has the responsibility for allocating bulk spectrum for various services.

•  Should I be concerned about 5G technology?

Ans. No, nothing to worry about. Safety and human health are top priority in the design and deployment of 5G.

1. What are the benefits of 5G ?

Ans. 5G technology will transform the world by connecting everything with everybody. It will create millions of jobs, it will add billions of dollars to the economy (GDP), and can solve some of our problems such as insecurity and improve governance and efficiency in the society.

1.  Is 5G causing CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19?

Ans. No, there is no link whatsoever between 5G and CORONAVIRUS or COVID-19.

1. Should I ignore all the negative narratives I am hearing about 5G ?

Ans. No, but rely on information from world standards making bodies such as WHO, ITU, IEEE and industry experts for advice when in doubt.

1.  Is there standard limit set for Radiation from mobile devices?

Ans. Yes, there is radiation emission limits set by the International Commission for Non-ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) below which the radiation is considered safe for humans.

1.  Are the mobile network operators in Nigeria conforming to the Radiation emissions limits?

Ans. Yes, the NCC has been regularly conducting measurements of radiation emissions from base stations across the country and they are all well below the set limits.

1.  Is 5G same as Fibre cable?

Ans. No, fibre cable is a terrestrial technology for broadband that existed for decades while 5G is a new mobile technology for enhanced quality of service as explained in Question 1 above.

1.  Are there other sources of radiation apart from mobile Base stations?

Ans. Yes, there are other sources of radiation which include television stations, radio broadcasts stations, wifi and so on. They all belong to the class of radiation considered to be safe for humans when operated below the set limits.

1.  Who owns 5G?

Ans. 5G is not owned by anybody but collection of technologies, standards and processes agreed at the international level by standards making bodies.

1.  Has NCC issued licenses for 5G in Nigeria?

Ans. No, NCC has not issued any licence for 5G in Nigeria. NCC is technology neutral as such we don’t license technology but assigns spectrum to operators for deployment of any service when allocated by NFMC.

19. Why are some operators rolling out fibre during the lockdown period?

Ans. As a result of the lockdown, the amount of voice and data usage has increased by huge amounts and there is need to expand the network to provide optimum quality of service to users sitting at home. Telecom is also critical for information dissemination during the lockdown.

SIGNED

Dr. Henry Nkemadu

Director, Public Affairs

Nigerian Communications Commission

05 April 2020

Information suggesting 5G Network Causes Coronavirus is Baseless, Untrue – ATCON

We wish to draw the attention of Nigerians to the unfounded claims and misinformation that is trending on all social media like Facebook, WhatsAapp, Twitter, LinkedIn and a host of others, which suggest that Fifth Generation (5G) technology is causative factor of Coronavirus pandemic also known as COVID-19.

Consequently, we wish to clear the air on this misinformation,  as follows. 

1.  ATCON wishes to inform telecom consumers, other stakeholders and the entire Nigerians, without any equivocation, that the purported claims that 5G is responsible for COVID-19 is baseless and it should be discountenanced by Nigerians as what it is: false information.
2.  The claims have not been substantiated, by any conclusive empirical evidence, by either the World Health Organisation or other health research institutions.
3.  There has been no issuance of 5G Licence to any of our members to build and deploy 5G network in Nigeria by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). However, what has happened recently was just a trial of the 5G network by one of our members which was well supervised by the telecoms regulator.
4.  Currently, Nigeria’s networks are currently made up of 2G, 3G and 4G and in 2014, the World Health Organisation had stated clearly there there is not yet any conclusive scientific evidence to the effect that there are adverse health effects caused by telecommunications infrastructures to human with respect to exposure to the non-ionising radiation emitting by telecoms base stations.
5.   ATCON, as the unbrella Association of all telecommunications companies in Nigeria, would like to state unequivocally that it would not  be part of the deployment of any technology in-country that would put the health of any Nigerian at risk, as we believe the health of end-users of any technological advancement comes as a priority in he deployment consideration of such technology by our members to provide services to Nigerians.

Signed.

Olusola Teniola

President, ATCON

5G and COVID-19 CONSPIRACY THEORIES -HEALTH & SAFETY OF MASTS AND TOWERS IN NIGERIA – ALTON POSITION

ALTON’S attention has been drawn to the recent issue in the media space regarding the strange connection of 5G technology to the Coronavirus pandemic across the globe. We would ordinarily have dismissed this “controversy” which is being vociferously pursued by some people as ignorant tirades occasioned by the morbid fear of the rampaging Coronavirus, but with the prevailing circumstances of fear and tension, we have decided to categorically make the following statements.

1. While aligning with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami that 5G has not been licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Nigeria, let us bear in mind that telecommunication standards are prescribed for use by the relevant international Regulatory Agencies after thorough and comprehensive tests have been carried out to ensure particularly that all approved standards are safe for the Human environment and health. Note therefore that all Spectrum and frequencies used today by the mobile and satellite industries, have been extensively researched and are covered by the international safety guidelines. 
2. There is no iota of truth that 5G Technology is the cause of the Coronavirus pandemic. The virus is also spreading in places without 5G networks like Nigeria. There are many parts of the world that do not have 5G coverage yet but are still affected by the virus e.g Parts of United Kingdom, Iran, Russia has no 5G for commercial use (except for some of their military deployments) etc
3. Note that in all the generations of wireless network technology (5G,4G,3G,2G&1G) mobile data is transmitted over radio waves. Other types of technology that use radio waves include smart meters, TV and radio transmitters, and radar and satellite communications. Most modern medical laboratory equipment use radio waves, some use nuclear radiation, but they are used within the guidelines. We dare say that every medication has recommended dosage. Even too much food and drinks can become injurious to health. This is basically the same principle on which radio waves operate. There are acceptable safe limits, which are determined, specified, regulated and supervised by International Technology Regulatory bodies as stated above 
4. Please be aware that Nigeria progressed from 1G to the current 4G which most networks offer to their subscribers today. Even with all the virtues of the novel 5G, our BTS Sites across the country are still bereft of this technology. We will want to re-emphasize that several studies have been carried out even before the 5G emergence, indicating that the microwave emissions from these infrastructures have no harmful effect on human health.  Research into the safety of radio signals, which has been conducted for more than 50 years, has led to the establishment of human exposure standards including safety factors that protect against all established health risks. The Electro Magnetic Fields on masts and towers are so insignificant when compared to microwave cooker at home, our television set and computers we use most of the time. See some of the opinions below

a. “…it is the opinion of ICNIRP that the scientific literature published since the 1998 guidelines has provided no evidence of any adverse effects below the basic restrictions and does not necessitate an immediate revision of its guidance on limiting exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields.” International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), 2009

b. “A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones/Telecommunications Masts and Towers pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.” World Health Organization (WHO), 2011

c. “…Recent research on exposure from transmitters has mainly focused on cancer and symptoms, using improved study designs. These new data do not indicate health risks for the general public related to exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from base stations for mobile telephony, radio and TV transmitters, or wireless local data networks at home or in schools.”  Independent Expert Group on Electromagnetic Fields (Sweden), 2013

• ALTON notes with concern that the laying of fibre cables are associated with rumours around the rollout of 5G.  ALTON hereby affirms that fibre cables are used to safeguard the existing 1G/2G/3G/4G networks and provide additional capacity to the existing networks, which is intended to enhance user experience and network availability.  Fibre cables are also used to replace microwave equipment, thereby reducing equipment on telecommunications masts.  ALTON therefore states that damaging or limiting the laying of fibre cables will severely affect the ability of Network Operators to provide the necessary services to both subscribers and enterprise customers and this will adversely impact the integrity of the networks. ALTON unequivocally states that there is NO association whatsoever between the laying of fibre cables with the rollout of 5G, as 5G is not yet licensed in Nigeria.

ALTON would like to assure the general public as follows:  

1. The theories that are being spread about 5G on social media and News Media are baseless and are not grounded in accepted scientific theory.  Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, the global Communications Industry body has stated as follows:

  “The telecoms industry is working around the clock to keep vital health, education and emergency services online, businesses running, and friends and families connected. It is deplorable that critical communications infrastructure is being attacked in some places, based on outright mistruths. We urge everyone to trust the health authorities and rest assured, communications technology is safe. There is no link between 5G and Covid-19”

• Telecommunications masts and towers in Nigeria are safe and their EMF emissions are not harmful to human health and are not only regulated in line with International Regulatory Agencies guidelines but also by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Industry regulator
• The telecommunications industry in Nigeria guided by the NCC will sustain the expansion of their networks in other to continue to offer good quality of service and experience. 

Signed:

Chairman: Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Head, Operations: Gbolahan Awonuga

For:  Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)