Dr. Isa Pantami, communications minister, said Nigeria is ready for the 5 G network, but preparation is crucial. We are ready but need to be deployed and we need pre-deployment and post-deployment before that.

“We are working to handle the challenges of pre-deployment but the approval has been given for the trial.

“Nigeria is not yet into the 5G network deliberately. Some of the telecom operators are ready to deploy the 5G network but the proposal was put on hold, so we can be productive and proactive.

“There could be potential challenges that could obstruct 5G network, which include regulations. You cannot just rush into it without preparing your ground,’’ he said.

5G has a lot of promise for broadband mobile services, no doubt. With 5G networks, technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), Virtual Reality, Smart Homes, and Autonomous Cars will gain a major boost. With video streaming, game downloading, and online gaming, higher bandwidth and capacity of 5 G networks often means faster internet speed.

5G networks will also enable faster wireless broadband, resulting in the deployment of wireless fixed solutions capable of replacing existing broadband fixed-line services.

He said that the Federal Government is engaging some security agencies like the National Intelligence Agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Police, among others to ensure a seamless process, while establishing regulations on deploying the 5G network.

The minister also said that 5G network cannot be deployed across the country yet due to some gaps in citizens being unable to access 2G, 3G and 4G networks.

“At the pace we are moving, some places do not even have 2G, there are over 200 cluster areas in the country and with this you cannot say we can move to 5G when some people are yet to access 2G, 3G.

“The gaps are already there, it is not a new one but you cannot delay advancement because other people are not benefiting, what we should do is to bridge the gap.’’

He added that Nigeria was not doing badly in technology, however, patriotism and confidence in indigenous products and services was lacking.