6G: NCC boss urges stakeholders to prepare for opportunities, risks

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida has urged stakeholders in the telecom industry not to address just the challenges posed by current technologies but also anticipate and prepare for the opportunities and risks associated with the evolution towards 6G and beyond.
He further enjoined them to move beyond mere compliance and reactive measures but instead, harness the power of these new technologies and trends to build a resilient and future-proof industry.
Maida gave the charge at a two-day telecoms industry risk management conference with the theme “Evolution and future risk management in the telecoms industry: harnessing emerging technologies and trends”.
The EVC also said as the nation 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.
According to him “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. 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.
“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”.