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)
A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…
Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…
UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…
The trade volume between Türkiye and 54 African countries has grown sevenfold, reaching $37 billion from 2003 to 2023, Yılmaz…
The final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches was held this week with Tanzania, Botswana and…
'Masterpieces' Lucas Moripe passed away at his Atteridgeville home on Tuesday at his senior year of 71. His style of…
This website uses cookies.