Question Tag: 5G Technology

Gbam Telecoms Plc, a leading mobile phone and internet communications company, is planning to roll out its 5th Generation (5G) spectrum. As a new product, the 5G spectrum promises customers high-speed internet with immense possibilities in computing, big data management, robotics, and other numerous benefits. While a section of the populace believes that the roll-out is a welcome development, others express reservations about the 5G technology. Within Gbam Telecoms Plc, some employees believe that the erratic nature of the country’s power supply could damage the 5G transponders. Also, the high cost of diesel would increase the company’s operating costs, thus making the product largely unaffordable to prospective consumers. There are also security threats to the company’s facilities due to heightened insecurity in the country. The umbrella trade union for the company’s employees is also agitating for a pay rise and hazard allowance should the company go ahead with the 5G roll-out. Some experts believe that the market for 5G spectrum in the country today is negligible because most telecommunication and internet devices used by consumers in the market are not 5G-compliant. There are also reports that the competitors of Gbam Telecoms Plc are studying how the market will respond to Gbam Telecoms’ 5G spectrum before deciding to enter the market. In addition, a study carried out in Europe concluded that 5G spectrum may be hazardous to the health of people living close to 5G transponders. There is also news about the development of new and better technologies called 6G and 7G, which may make 5G obsolete within a short period of time.

Required:

1. (a) Advise the management of Gbam Telecoms Plc on the enterprise and operational risks that could be associated with the roll-out of 5G spectrum using information contained in the given scenario. (11 Marks)
2. (b) Suggest to Gbam Telecoms Plc the key elements that should be contained in the company’s Risk Management System. (4 Marks)