Association Of Licensed Telecommunications Operators Of Nigeria (ALTON) has dispelled rumours about 5G on social and news media as baseless and are not grounded in accepted scientific theory.
Recall that there had been a recent issue in the media connecting 5G Technology to the Coronavirus pandemic across the globe.
In a statement by Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga, Chairman and Head, Operations respectively, the association said there was no iota of truth that 5G technology was the cause of the Coronavirus pandemic, adding that the virus had also been spreading in places without 5G networks like Nigeria.
ALTON said: “There are many parts of the world that do not have 5G coverage yet but are still affected by the virus e.g parts of United Kingdom, Iran, Russia has no 5G for commercial use (except for some of their military deployments), etc.
“Note that in all the generations of wireless network technology (5G, 4G, 3G, 2G&1G) mobile data is transmitted over radio waves. Other types of technology that use radio waves include smart meters, TV and radio transmitters, and radar and satellite communications.
“Most modern medical laboratory equipment use radio waves, some use nuclear radiation, but they are used within the guidelines. We dare say that every medication has recommended dosage.
“Even too much food and drinks can become injurious to health. This is basically the same principle on which radio waves operate. There are acceptable safe limits, which are determined, specified, regulated and supervised by International Technology Regulatory bodies.
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“We would ordinarily have dismissed this ‘controversy’ which is being vociferously pursued by some people as ignorant tirades occasioned by the morbid fear of the rampaging Coronavirus, but with the prevailing circumstances of fear and tension.”
ALTON also said telecommunications masts and towers in Nigeria were safe and their EMF emissions not harmful to human health and were not only regulated in line with International Regulatory Agencies guidelines, but also by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Industry regulator.
It said telecommunications industry in Nigeria guided by the NCC would sustain the expansion of their networks in order to continue to offer good quality of service and experience, but lamented the frequent vandalisation of critical telecommunication infrastructure.
“The telecoms industry is working around the clock to keep vital health, education and emergency services online, businesses running, and friends and families connected.
“It is deplorable that critical communications infrastructure is being attacked in some places, based on outright mistruths.
“We urge everyone to trust the health authorities and rest assured, communications technology is safe. There is no link between 5G and Covid-19,” the association said.
