A company that provides analytic services, known as International Data Corporation (IDC), has voiced confidence over the future of the smartphone industry, citing the increasing demand for 5G models as the primary driving reason. This is despite the fact that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) believes that the technology, if it is completely implemented in the nation, would provide higher speed and capacity in addition to deeper coverage, allowing it to reach individuals living in remote regions. According to the information provided by the IDC, it is anticipated that shipments would increase by 2.4% year-on-year to reach 377.7 million units. As a result of “an incredibly swift supply chain recovery” and “substantial incentives” from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and retailers on 5g devices, it is anticipated that the increasing trend would continue in 2021, with a growth of 4.4% compared to the previous year, 2020. Ryan Reidh, vice president of global mobile device tracking, said that “supply-side momentum” coming into the current quarter and beyond “remains robust,” building on the success that was accomplished in the third quarter. Reith explained that lockdowns related to COVID-19 had a negative impact on shipments during the first half (h1) of the year. However, this impact had turned positive during the second half of the year, as many consumers shifted their spending from travel and leisure activities to consumer electronics. Within the industry, 5G has been referred to as “the driving force for the industry right now,” and it is anticipated that shipments of compatible equipment would account for roughly ten percent of the total in the year 2020. A prediction is that the percentage will reach 29 percent in the year 2024. A recent landmark economy study that was conducted by Qualcomm stated that 5G would have an impact on the global economy and drive growth exponentially. In the meantime, the executive vice chairman of the National Communications Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, stated that 5G will bridge the digital divide. He made this statement while referring to the study. danbatta, who spoke through the director of public affairs for the Nigeria Communications Commission, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, during a capacity building workshop organized by the commission for telecoms journalists in Lagos, stated that there had been a lot of falsehoods and misinformation spread about the health and safety implications of deploying 5g technology. Danbatta stated that the recently published draft consultation document on the deployment of fifth generation (5g) mobile technology in Nigeria by the National Communications Commission (NCC) would open the door to further research into the deployment of 5g technology. However, he insisted that the commission has not yet finalized plans for the deployment of fifth generation (5g) network. According to what he claimed, “In 2019, Nigeria only conducted 5G testing in a few specific sites inside the nation in conjunction with an operator.” Among other things, the purpose of the experiment was to investigate and look into any potential health or security issues that the 5G network could create. In addition, the commission maintains an ongoing engagement with the academic community while simultaneously providing funding for research projects related to 5G. This is done with the intention of ensuring that the nation is provided with the most beneficial research findings and policy input in order to facilitate the implementation and deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria. In addition, the chairman of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, highlighted the opportunities that the fourth industrial revolution (4ir) presents on the African continent during a keynote session at the African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta) Strategy Workshop that took place not too long ago. This was in light of the fact that it is anticipated that the 4ir will have the capacity to increase global income levels and enhance the quality of life for populations all over the world. Although the first, second, and third industrial revolutions were primarily concerned with steam engineering, electrification and assembly line, and nuclear energy computing, respectively, the fourth industrial revolution is focusing on expanding upon the third industrial revolution. There is a convergence of technologies that are blurring the barriers between the physical, digital, and biological domains, and this is what distinguishes the fourth industrial revolution. ndukwe said that the revolution offered a one-of-a-kind chance for African nations to leapfrog past development difficulties with the assistance of technology. He was referring to the prospects that were given by the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Africa. Notwithstanding the fact that telecommunications firms play a significant part in the acceleration of the fourth industrial revolution in Africa, Dr. Ndukwe elaborated on how MTN Nigeria is taking the lead in this regard. There has been a rise in the national broadband penetration, contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), traffic, radio latency, and other aspects of the Nigerian telecommunications sector in the year 2020. The three levers for 4ir acceleration are being led by MTN. These levers include ubiquitous broadband, which is being achieved by advancements in 5G, the internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), amongst other categories. The firm that specializes in telecommunications is at the forefront of facilitating transformation via the use of cloud solutions and secure, high-speed connection thanks to the advances being implemented in these areas. Not only did ndukwe emphasize enterprises that are involved in telecommunications, but it also highlighted other drivers of 4ir on the African continent. It was noted by him that African policy makers and regulators would need to have a “unified vision” in order to capture possibilities and provide incentives for the adoption of technology in national priority areas such as agriculture and energy. During his presentation, he elaborated on the functions of business organizations, which include boosting expenditures in training, as well as raising awareness and giving information about the potential and markets for technology. “Finance projects on the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on African economies and societies, support the creation of regional research and development centers, and foster linkages with research and development centers,” ndukwe came to the conclusion that development partners would need to do. If you want to learn more about netnaija, hdmp4mania, and fzmovies, go here.