6G NETWORK — The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has during Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos said it is important for stakeholders to not only address the challenges posed by current technologies but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond.
While speaking at the two days event, Maida further ascertain his position via his opening remarks “In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way we communicate, connect, and conduct business.
“As we navigate this dynamic environment, the need for effective risk management becomes increasingly paramount.
“Today, we stand at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where emerging technologies and trends present both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
“While we discuss the current landscape of 5G networks, which boast of wider attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is imperative to even cast our gaze into the future; 6G.
“We are witnessing the dawn of 6G technology, the next frontier in wireless communication. With promises of even faster speeds, lower latency, and groundbreaking applications, 6G has the potential to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity.
“However, with this advancement comes the responsibility to address new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical considerations, ensuring that we pave the way for a secure and inclusive digital future.
He added that “Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon. As we contemplate the possibilities, we must acknowledge that with each generational leap, we face not only technological advancements but also a fresh set of challenges.”
“Anticipating and managing risks associated with 7G will require collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to ensure the seamless integration of this technology into our interconnected world.”
Maida continues “In addition to the evolution of connectivity, we must consider the implications of emerging technologies such as quantum technologies (computing, sensing, and communications), advanced artificial intelligence, and Block Chain (distributed ledger) technologies. These trends, when harnessed effectively, hold the potential to transform our industry positively. However, they also introduce complexities that demand careful consideration in our risk management strategies.”
According to him, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritizing the security and stability of our telecom infrastructure.
“As we navigate through 5G and the uncharted territory of the next generations of wireless technologies, collaborative efforts among regulators, industry players, and other stakeholders become even more crucial for sharing best practices, threat intelligence, resources and implementing robust risk management strategies.
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“We should therefore move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures, and instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.”
“You would recall that in my engagements with the Industry and Media, I had stated that collaboration is a key driver of my leadership. Together, we can build a shared understanding of emerging risks and develop comprehensive mitigation strategies.”
“Building a culture of risk awareness is paramount. As an industry, we must empower our people with the knowledge and skills to proactively identify and report risks and embed security awareness and risk management practices throughout our business processes.”
“Emerging technologies such as AI should be leveraged to generate data-driven insights needed to predict, detect, and respond to risks in real-time.
“We should also monitor evolving threats and vulnerabilities on a continuous basis and streamline incidence response processes to build a resilient telecom industry.
In his conclusion, Maida maintains that stakeholders should not only address the challenges posed by current technologies but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond.
Also speaking at the event, the Head, Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management (HCPSRM), Mr. Kelechi Nwankwo, also maintain that the NCC EVC/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, had in a consultation with the Industry and Media executives, reiterated that the Commission is looking at reviewing the current operating standards and introducing new standards which are in line with international best practices. This is to facilitate resilience in the communications industry.
According to Mr. Kelechi, the fast-disruptive world of the telecoms industry has witnessed convergence of diverse technological advancements with the potential of reshaping our future.
“From 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Cloud Computing and beyond, the possibilities are limitless.
“However, with great opportunities, comes great risks, and it is our collective responsibility to address these risks and possibly safeguarding the industry’s growth and sustainability.
“This conference is a testament to our collective commitment towards recognizing the evolving risks and challenges we face, while embracing the immense opportunities emerging technologies and trends bring.
“The World Economic Forum (WEF) in a survey of global leaders on the five risks most likely to present material crisis on a global scale in 2024, reported AI-generated misinformation/disinformation as number two (2) and cyberattacks as number five (5). These two are technological risks.” He added.
