Dr. Maida, the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), made the remark at the Telecoms Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos, recently.

Speaking on the conference theme: ‘Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends’, the EVC said that in an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the telecommunications industry finds itself at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way people 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.

“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.

According to Statista:

The 6G user-experienced data rate is expected to reach 1,000 Mbps, ten times faster than the user-experienced data rate of 5G.

While higher-band spectrum brings faster speeds it also poses problems that need to be solved, including difficulties in penetrating walls and water.

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.

7G: Intelligent Technology of the Inevitable

Looking beyond, the prospect of 7G technology also looms on the horizon.

To this end, the EVC said “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.

“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.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising 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.

“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.

Dr.  Aminu Maida, the EVC, stressed the attendant risks that could come with the introduction of 6G and 7G in the country, while challenging the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to brace up.

The Opportunities of adoption 6G in Nigeria, include but not limited to the following:

• Faster speed,
• Reduced latency,
• Innovative applications,
• Dramatic change,  
• Connectivity experience, 
• Technological breakthroughs,  
• Quantum computing,
• Advanced Artificial intelligence, and
• Blockchain technologies.

While the threats associated with 6G technology are;  

• Cybersecurity threats,
• Ethical issues,
• A broader attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices, and   
• A denser network infrastructure   

Maida hinted on these on Tuesday during a two-day Telecoms Industry Risk Management conference in Lagos.

The conference, themed “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends,” aimed to address the new challenges that come with technological advancements.

The EVC of NCC emphasized that the shift towards more advanced technologies introduces a variety of risks for telecom operators, ranging from cybersecurity threats to ethical issues.

Dr. Maida, represented at the conference by Ubale Maska, the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, highlighted the technological advancements from the current 5G to the anticipated 7G, stating:

He noted that “As we navigate the landscape of 5G networks, which feature a broader attack surface due to the increased number of connected devices and denser network infrastructure, it is crucial to also consider the future.

“The advent of 6G technology marks the next milestone in wireless communication. With its potential for faster speeds, reduced latency, and innovative applications, 6G could dramatically change our connectivity experience. Nonetheless, this advancement also requires us to tackle new risks, from cybersecurity threats to ethical challenges, to ensure a secure and equitable digital future.

“Furthermore, the possibility of 7G technology beckons. With each generational leap, we encounter not just technological breakthroughs but also new challenges.

“Preparing for and managing the risks associated with 7G will demand collaboration, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to integrate this technology seamlessly into our global network.”

He stressed further that, In addition to connectivity evolution, Dr. Maida pointed out the need for telecom operators to consider the implications of emerging technologies like quantum computing, advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies.

He noted that these advancements offer significant opportunities to transform the industry but also introduce complex challenges that must be integrated into the operators’ risk management strategies.

The NCC boss said the regulator on its part remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation while prioritising the security and stability of 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.

“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,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Kelechi Nwankwo, the head of corporate strategy and risk management at the NCC, hailed the conference as a testament to the industry’s dedication to identifying evolving risks and challenges while seizing the vast opportunities provided by emerging technologies and trends.

“From 5G networks and the Internet of Things (IoT) to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, and beyond, the potential is unlimited. Yet, with significant opportunities come substantial risks, and it is our shared duty to mitigate these risks to ensure the industry’s growth and sustainability,” he remarked.