By Yemi Olakitan
The Nigerian Institute of ICT Engineers has urged the government to protect the country’s telecommunications infrastructure from the harmful consequences of climate change.
This was made known by its Lagos State coordinator, Austyne Duru, in Lagos at the weedend.
He stressed that the protection would constantly improve efficient service delivery.
According to the body, typical universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) transmissions are delivered on ultra-high frequency (UHF) channels, which can be impacted by atmospheric elements like high temperatures, heavy rain, and air pressure thus the guidance is important (wind).
“Climate change has an impact on the above, increasing temperature, rainfall, and wind speed, resulting in degradation and service disruption in severe circumstances,” Duru stated.
He said the use of wired communication systems, an increase in the number of communication stations, and the use of lower frequencies for wireless communication systems might all help to lessen the impact of climate change.
He added that the usage of optical fibre cabling for wired communication, as demonstrated by the Lagos State Smart City Project and the Nigerian Communication Commission’s (NCC) DigOne Initiative, would be beneficial.
The country’s new dependable communications system would use the wired cable infrastructure, according to Duru, when it is fully constructed by 2030.
He said creating a dependable mobile communication system necessitated the construction of tiny cell sites close together.
According to Duru, this strategy would enhance subscribers’ quality reception.
Additionally, he suggested that the Federal Government reclaim some of the lower frequencies currently allocated to broadcasting and maritime services because these radio channels might be repurposed for wireless and mobile communication networks.
“In addition to this, the infrastructure of communication systems needs to be created for resilience by replicating hardware in various places, including renting servers outside of the nation.
By doing this, he explained, “service will still be offered even in times of natural catastrophes such as flood and fire devastation that impacts the data centres or core network equipment that processes communication for customers.”