NCC warns telecom operators of risks ahead of 6G rollout

Business a.m

As technology evolves from 5G to 6G and beyond, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned telecommunications operators in Nigeria to prepare for increased risks and challenges. 

Aminu Maida,the NCC’s executive vice chairman, issued the warning at a two-day telecoms industry risk management conference in Lagos, themed “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends.”  The event was organised to discuss the risks associated with new technologies and how to manage them effectively.

Maida, who was represented at the conference by Ubale Maska, the commission’s executive commissioner for technical services,noted that the shift from 5G to 7G will bring about significant technological advancements.

However,he noted that these advancements will also introduce new risks and challenges that must be addressed. He highlighted the increased attack surface, or the number of potential entry points for malicious actors to target, as a key concern.

Maida explained that another risk associated with the evolution of telecommunications technology is the increase in the density of network infrastructure. He noted that this can lead to a number of challenges, including difficulties in monitoring and managing large-scale networks, and the potential for a single point of failure to have a cascading effect on the entire network.

He stated further; “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.”

According to the NCC executive vice chairman,as new technologies emerge, such as quantum computing, advanced artificial intelligence, and blockchain, the telecommunications industry must adapt to meet the associated challenges. He noted that these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the industry, but they also present significant risks.

Maida stressed that the NCC is committed to supporting innovation in the telecom industry while prioritizing security and stability. He highlighted the role of the NCC in promoting cybersecurity initiatives, developing technical standards, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the safety and resilience of the nation’s 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.

On his part,Kelechi Nwankwo, the head of corporate planning, strategies and risk management at the NCC, noted that the telecoms industry is constantly evolving, with a convergence of diverse technological advancements that have the potential to reshape the future. He highlighted several key trends that are driving the industry’s evolution, including the Internet of Things, 5G networks, and cloud computing.

While acknowledging the opportunities that emerging technologies bring, Nwankwo stressed that these opportunities are not without their risks. He noted that the industry as a whole must work together to identify and address these risks in order to maintain the sector’s growth and sustainability.