Technology

Technology: 5G roll-out in Africa may be slow – Experts

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 08:31 am

The fifth technical standard for wireless networks, or 5G, promises more speed, less lag when connecting to the network and the ability to connect many devices to the internet without bogging it down.

But before we can all use it, wireless companies and phone makers will have to upgrade.

Phones need new chips and radio antennas. And that comes at a price not everyone can afford.

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed this process even further.

“Sub Saharan Africa has always lagged in terms of mobile technology penetration,” Dr. Joyce Mwangama, Senior Lecturer Electrical Engineering University of Cape Town, explained.

“So, when we’re talking about 5G, the penetration is going to be quite slow and it will only in the beginning stages be deployed in small islands and small pockets.”

The COVID-19 pandemic may not be the only hurdle for Africa’s 5G rollout. The continent could also be dragged into tensions between the United States and China over future 5G networks.

The US government is lobbying allies to exclude the Chinese telecoms company Huawei, citing security risks.

“Africa is in a difficult situation maybe because it’s left somewhere in the middle,” Ben Roberts, Director of Network Strategy at Liquid Telecom, said.

“The Chinese telecoms vendors have certainly made more investment in Africa, in terms of the resources they have put here and the employment they have created.”

“And as a result, African operators have invested heavily in that Chinese equipment. Now, we are seeing pressure from the US not to use some of these equipments in 5G networks, they’ve been applying that pressure to other nations in Europe.”

In some African countries, like South Africa, mobile operators started rolling out 5G networks this year.

(AFP)

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Mauritius Reopens Social MediaAccess in Response to PublicPressure

Mauritius on Saturday overruled its decision to prohibit social media until the election onNovember 10th which was caused by a…

November 5, 2024

UAE Crown Prince Arrives in Ethiopia for WorldWithout Hunger Conference

The UAE’s Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed AlNahyan was in Addis Ababa…

November 5, 2024

Zimbabwe’s rich (Mbingas) linked to state looting

Gilbert Machokoto, a former teacher, said that setting up a business in the late 1980s, shortlyafter Zimbabwe's independence, was ‘like…

November 4, 2024

Historic Shift in Botswana as PresidentConcedes to Opposition Victory

Following elections in which the party that had ruled the diamond-rich nation for almost 60years suffered a historic setback. Botswana's…

November 4, 2024

Lightning Strike at Uganda Refugee CampClaims 14 Lives, Including Children

A lightning strike at a refugee camp in Uganda kills 14 people including children with 34 othershospitalized. The incident happened…

November 4, 2024

From television hopeful to red carpet royalty: Kuhle Adams’ journey frompresenter to South Africa’s biggest awards

From TV hopeful to red carpet royalty, Kuhle Adams' journey is a remarkable story of talentand perseverance. Beginning as an…

November 3, 2024

This website uses cookies.