This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
As the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya is embracing digital transformation to survive and thrive. The country is shifting towards E-learning, online shopping, and business through videoconferencing, with 5G network playing a crucial role in this transition.
On May 6, 2020, the Kenya ICT Action Network, in partnership with Huawei, hosted a 90-minute interactive webinar on 5G, titled '5G Myths, Realities, and Opportunities.' The webinar aimed to debunk dangerous conspiracy theories circulating on social media and provide insight into the impact of 5G on our lives and the opportunities it brings to Kenya.
Panelists, including National Communications Secretary CEO Daniel Obam, a spectrum expert, and representatives from Huawei, discussed the multiple digital opportunities offered by 5G in the Era of Covid-19, particularly in the healthcare sector. They outlined the basic terminologies, innovation, and industry standards of 5G.
According to Daniel Obam, 'World Health Organisation has conclusive evidence that mobile phones do not cause any harm; 5G uses non-ionizing radiation that is not dangerous. The radio waves from 5G are tiny and they are nowhere strong enough to affect the immune system. They are less powerful even than visible light.'
Representatives from Huawei presented on how the 5G Enabled Digital world will transform the digital economy and lifestyles, from connected cars and factory automation to smart grids.
John Walubengo, Lecturer at the Multimedia University, explained that 'As a user, you will experience better download and upload speeds. In terms of smart meters, instead of sending individuals to come to your house to read a meter, millions of smart meters can report back to the central network on their own.'
Adam Lane, Huawei's Kenya Deputy CEO, emphasized the tremendous opportunities for 5G to connect homes and businesses with fiber-like speeds, in various uses within hospitals, particularly during COVID-19, when you don’t want human contact, as well as various industries such as tourism and ports.
Dr. Bello Moussa, Huawei's Southern Africa Senior Director of Innovation and ICT Strategies, highlighted the opportunities for 5G to connect homes and businesses with fiber-like speeds, in various uses within hospitals, particularly during COVID-19, when you don’t want human contact, as well as various industries such as tourism and ports.
Ann Kinyanjui, Communications Authority of Kenya’s Acting Manager for Frequency Planning, noted that the Authority is looking at different licensing methodologies, the amount of bandwidth to be offered to operators and frequency spectrum allocations.
She reiterated that the CA will continue participating in future 5G studies and work with relevant stakeholders to develop strategies for that will be benefit Kenya.
