With the canard making the rounds that 5th Generation (5G) network, has link with one of the world’s deadliest disease, Coronavirus, Nigeria government has come out to quash the claim.
Last week, some Nigerians argued that 5G technology is a dangerous technology that should not be welcomed in the country.
Affixing to their hypothetical postulations, former lawmaker representing Kogi west constituency, Dino Melaye averred, and described the technology as evil and a killer technology.
Dino said he has seen videos of birds and animals dropping dead because they get close to places where the 5G masts are installed.
The senator also called on network service providers in Nigeria to demobilise their 5G infrastructure within the parameter space of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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His words, “5G helps to mobilise flu that comes in the form of coronavirus pandemic. And this is also helping to kill the immune system. So those with weaker immune systems and underlying medical conditions like diabetics, hypertension, respiratory and cancerous problems are easily consumed by reactions from 5G technology”.
Similarly, a twitter user by name @MansaSeyi agreed that 5G had a higher frequency and a shorter wavelength. “For effective coverage, we need more masts and radios, which means a higher concentration of radioactive waves around us. But the propagation of biological viruses? Come on…”
5G Network is the next generation of mobile internet connectivity which offers speed, reliable connections on smartphones and other devices, but it is increasingly being linked to the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
5G’s large scale adoption started in 2019 and is sought for by developing telecommunication provider with the network having a spectrum frequency that consists of millimetre waves, mid-band and low-band. However, in recent days and as countries of the world struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, the fears are heightening that 5G could be more dangerous than the better connections.
Nigeria on Nov. 25, 2019, launched a 5G demo trial to be carried in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt, expected to enhance the economy.
Expert argues
Dr Mustafa Babakolobe, a Radiologist, explained that radiation were of ionising and non-ionising types and they don’t enable disease infection. Babakolobe said that non-ionising radiations from radios, televisions have short wave length and were harmless to human health.
According to him, ionising radiations like x-rays, ultra-violent radiations and emissions from the sun could change cells in human beings. “Ionising radiations affects human cells, DNA, cause mutations, which is why x-ray radiations are used to kill cancer cells. “Radiations from 5G, 4G are mild and cannot cause harm to humans, and there is no clinical research to prove that it enables COVID-19.
Government pontificates its statement
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says there’s no is no correlation between the Fifth Generation Technology (5G), Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Security.
Dr Henry Nkemadu, Director, Public Affairs, NCC made this clearification in a statement following recent materials being circulated, linking COVID-19 with 5G Technology.
The statement, which was signed by Nkemadu, on Monday in Abuja, said it has become imperative for the commission to provide some clarifications.
According to the him, 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 months and that the trial has been concluded and installation decommissioned.
ALTON operator reacts
However, explaining it position, the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) says there is no iota of truth in the theories linking 5G technology to the cause of coronavirus pandemic.
He explained that there were many parts of the world without 5G coverage, yet affected by the virus.
Adebayo said that all generations of wireless network technology (5G, 4G, 3G, 2G & 1G) mobile data were transmitted over radio waves, including smart metres, TV, radio transmitters, radar and satellite communications.
“Most modern medical laboratory equipment use radio waves, some use nuclear radiation but they are used within 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,’’ ALTON president said.
