Telecom

Telecom Equipment and Radiation Concerns

Published

17 years ago

July 14, 2008

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Proliferation of antennas installed by Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators and microwave equipment by Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) counterparts have been condemned by environmentalist not only because it distort environmental esthetics by also its health implications. This report looks at the health concerns of using mobile phone or living close to microwave equipment

The liberalization and revolution being experience in the telecommunications sector has been greeted with mixed feelings, while greater percentage of Nigerians are celebrating for breaking the jinxes of access to telephone service that was exclusively reserved for the rich, very few are expressing concerns over fear of radiation from microwave equipments installed by operators in their base stations as well as handsets.

Radiation is electromagnetic and it consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving together through space at the speed of light. We live in a world of radiation and we are exposed to both natural and man-made radiations, every second of our life, we are exposed to all forms of radiation such as ultraviolet light from the sun and radiowaves from radio and television broadcasts.

Dr. M. A. Aweda consultant medical physicist department of radiation biology and radiotherapy

College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, said there are two major effects of microwave radiation exposures that includes heating effect manifested in form of temperature increase and indirect effect which is when microwave interacts with water molecules to break it down to hydroxides, peroxides, superoxides, acqueous electrons, radicals which are very reactive chemically. "These products are toxic to living cells," he said.

These concerns have been wide spread that some state governments are attempting to regulate the deployment of base stations by telecom operators citing radiation effect as reason. A case in point is the running battle between Lagos State Infrastructure and Maintenance Regulatory Agency (Lasimra) and telecom operators.

Aside the taxation issues in the attempt by Lasimra to regulate deployment of base transmitting stations the agency has cited health implications on the people living close to Base Stations. Mr. Jeo Igbokwe, general manager, Lasimra had relied on a report on a research which he alleged is "still gathering momentum" in the Daily Mail London of 7^{th August last year implying that there is a casual connection between cancer patients and the fact that they live close to mobile mast installations and in order words that proximity to mobile installations such as masts can cause cancer. He went further that the Lasimra proposes shortly to set up a research team who will undertake research into the effects of telecoms Base Stations in Lagos State.}

Perceived health concerns over proximity of humans to telecommunications installations / equipment and use of mobile phones are unfounded though it has remained an issue of concern to both the general public globally and the global telecoms industry.

Telecoms operators in Nigeria are registered and responsible members of the global Industry body, the GSM Association (GSMA), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Group. Thus, all Nigerian operators benefit from a huge body of research undertaken independently by the different industry bodies in conjunction with international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU).

Past and ongoing research and studies have been conducted by the GSMA independently and in collaboration with WHO as well as by several other international organizations on possible effects on human health of proximity to telecommunications installations and equipment and use of mobile phones. These studies and research till date have failed to show any casual link between adverse health effects and telecommunications installations and equipment, and use of mobile phones.

In 2002 vodafone, a GSM operator in Britain had sought to install mobile telephone antennae in the towers of the Churches of St. Margaret, Hawes and Holy Trinity, Knaresborough, in the leads area of England. This action resulted in objections from residents within the vicinity of the Churches, primarily on the grounds of health risks from living close to the antennae. Vodafone petitioned the leads combined Court in the recent English cases of St. Margaret Hawes (No. 215 of 2002) and Holy Trinity Knaresborough (No. 233 of 2002).

The issue for determination before the Court was whether radiation from a telecommunications base station may affect the health of humans in the vicinities of such base stations and was resolved by determining the appropriate base station radiation emission threshold.

Vodafone’s case was based on the recommendation that the International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiation protection (ICNIRP) guidelines is the most widely accepted and should therefore be applicable. The objectors preferred the "Salzburg Resolution "(a different standard) which has lower thresholds than those of the ICNIRP guidelines.

Both vodafone and the objectors agreed that base station radiofrequency field are not strong enough to damage chemical bonds in the human body and are not cumulative over time. The parties also agreed that base stations radiations are less intense than those from a basic domestic appliance like the microwave and therefore cannot heat up (have a thermal effect on) a human body like such appliances could.

The Court held that research and scientific studies on human health and the relationship between exposure to radio frequency (RF) fields and different types of cancer, reproductive problems, congenital anomalies, epilepsy, headaches and suicide etcetera do not provide any conclusive evidence of adverse health effects. Further, the Court held that the balance of evidence to date suggests that exposures of RF radiation below the thresholds set by the UK National Radiation Protection Board (NRPB) and ICNIRP guidelines do not cause adverse health effects to humans.

However, all deployed telecoms equipment, installations, terminal equipment, mobile handsets and customer premise equipment sold by all Nigerian telecoms operations in their varied bundled promotions are type-approved by the telecommunications industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in compliance with the electromagnetic field (EMF) thresholds set by the ICNIRP guidelines, the ITU, institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IFEEE), amongst other industry standards setting bodies and as such do not pose any health threats.

At the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) monthly Telecoms Consumer Parliament held in Maiduguri on 2nd May 2006, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, executive commissioner, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, NCC, who represented Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, executive vice chairman of the commission in response to an enquiry by a learned Professor of the University of Maiduguri, made a clarification amongst others, to the effect the "there is no known conclusive Scientific evidence at present to indicate that radiation from telecommunication masts or handsets could cause such dangerous diseases as cancer among humans.

Mobile phone

The widespread use of mobile phones is a recent phenomenon. The use of cell phones and related technologies will continue to increase for the foreseeable future. Wireless devices such as cell phones, utilize radio waves (radiofrequency or electromagnetic fields) to transmit information.

Naturally, reports that suggest cell phones radiation may impact children’s health would raise questions in the minds of parents.

Dr. O.B. Eletu, managing director, MMSL said that the use of mobile phones by children is increasingly widespread and commencing at a younger age.

According to him pre-adolescent children can be expected to be (potentially) more at risk in the use of cell phone than are adults because the absorption of microwaves of the frequency used in cell phones is greater in an object about the size of a child’s head – the so-called head resonance – than in an adult’s. Thinner skull of a child allows more penetration of the radiation into the brain than in an adult.

The developing nervous system and associated brain-wave activity in a child are more vulnerable to the pulses of microwaves used in GSM than in a mature adult

The increased mitotic activity Eletu said in the cells of developing children makes them more susceptible to genetic damage.

"A child’s immune system is generally less robust than that of an adult, so that the child is less able to cope with any adverse health effect provoked by (chronic) exposure to such radiation," he said.

Dr. Eletu quoted chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) conclusion that there was no proven health risks associated with mobile phones but that children should minimize their use as a precaution. He added that May 2001 research in America which suggested that children’s brains absorbed 50-70 per cent more radiation from handsets than adults because their skulls were smaller.

More so, NCC had stated that research so far conducted have indicate that the use of mobile phones and proximity to telecommunications installations and equipment including base Stations, masts and antennae amongst others do not pose a risk to human health.

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Telecom

Qualcomm Completes Third Edition of Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Chike Onwuegbuchi

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Qualcomm Technologies Inc. has announced the successful completion of its third annual Make in Africa (QMIA) Startup Mentorship Program, marked by the virtual Make in Africa Finale 2025. The initiative underscores Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to fostering Africa’s vibrant innovation ecosystem through the broader Qualcomm Africa Innovation Platform.

Highlights:

The 2025 Qualcomm Make in Africa program supported ten innovative startups from Kenya, Tunisia, Nigeria, Benin and Senegal, each addressing local challenges by developing tech-enabled solutions across critical sectors such as healthcare, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and mobility.
This year, the program attracted more than 400 applications from 19 countries, showcasing remarkable talent across the continent.
Farmer Lifeline, of Kenya, was announced as the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund winner, recognizing its impactful use of wireless technology.
Applications for Qualcomm Make in Africa 2026 are now open. Applicants can visit the Qualcomm website to apply.

As a flagship initiative of Qualcomm, the equity-free program shines a spotlight on the creativity and drive of African founders leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, 4G/5G, robotics, connectivity and IoT to address pressing real-world challenges.

Now in its third year, the program remains steadfast in its mission to accelerate early-stage technology startups by providing tailored mentorship, targeted business coaching, expert engineering consultation and comprehensive intellectual property protection guidance – exemplified by resources such as Qualcomm’s L2Pro Africa training. This holistic support empowers founders to transform their visionary ideas into sustainable, market-ready solutions.

“This year’s cohort has demonstrated incredible ingenuity, transforming complex challenges into scalable, tech-driven solutions that will drive social and economic impact across the continent,” said Elizabeth Migwalla, Vice President International Government Affairs, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Innovation is the driving force behind Africa’s future, and this year’s startups are a brilliant demonstration of that. The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is proud to partner with Qualcomm for the Make in Africa 2025 program,” said John Omo, Secretary General of the ATU. “We are working to harmonize spectrum management policies, regional standards, and open data practices, but we know that true progress relies on large-scale support. That’s why we call on governments, universities, investors, and industry to support these initiatives – and any endeavor that places African ingenuity at the forefront.”

The 2025 cohort includes the following groundbreaking startups:

Aframend (Nigeria): Uses AI to explore African medicinal plants for new drug discovery and aims to turn local remedies into safe, affordable treatments for diseases.
AmalXR (Tunisia): Offers AI-powered virtual rehabilitation sessions on everyday devices, enabling easy patient and clinician progress tracking.
Archeos (Benin): Automates fish farming with solar-powered sensors and feeders, providing real-time data on water quality and feeding levels for improved fish health.
ClimatrixAI (Nigeria): Installs connected weather and flood stations with an AI platform to forecast street-by-street risk, enhancing early warnings and disaster response for local communities.
Ecobees (Tunisia): Builds smart hive monitors and a digital platform for real-time insights into beehive-health, to protect bees and crops that depend on them.
Edulytics (Senegal): Applies AI on handheld ultrasound devices for early detection of liver disease, aiming to make this special screening widely accessible.
Farmer Lifeline (Kenya): Deploys small, solar-powered devices that scan fields for pests and diseases and send alerts straight to farmers’ phones to protect crops.
Pollen Patrollers (Kenya): A women-led agritech startup using connected hive technology and AI to keep bee colonies healthy.
Solar Freeze (Kenya): Provides solar-powered cold rooms with remote monitoring enabling farmers to keep fruits and vegetables fresh and increase earnings.
Pixii Motors (Tunisia): Designs electric scooters with smart batteries that can be swapped in and out at local stations, aiming to revolutionize urban mobility.

Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund Winner

Kenyan innovator, Farmer Lifeline, was announced as the winner of the 2025 Wireless Reach Social Impact Fund. The fund, sponsored by Qualcomm® Wireless Reach™ Initiative, champions the innovative use of wireless connectivity to address pressing community. As the winner, Farmer Lifeline will receive dedicated funding and tailored technical support to scale its groundbreaking solution.

“Farmer Lifeline stood out with its innovative small solar-powered devices that scan fields to detect pests and diseases. This technology enables local farmers to effectively protect their crops, significantly increase yields, and improve food security”, stated Erica Ciaraldi, Vice President, Wireless Reach, Qualcomm Incorporated.

“Their visionary approach and dedication to agricultural resilience have positioned them as leaders in their field. They are driving meaningful change for smallholder farmers and inspiring others across the continent. This fund will empower them to scale their impact further, enabling broader reach and deeper influence across Africa and the world.”

In recognition of the groundbreaking innovations demonstrated by all finalists, each will receive stipends designed to accelerate their growth, support strategic development and safeguard their intellectual property. This comprehensive support underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring these visionary projects can thrive sustainably.

Looking ahead: Launch of Qualcomm Make in Africa Startup Mentorship Program 2026

Building on the significant success of previous years, Qualcomm is excited to launch the fourth year of the program in 2026.

Applications for the 2026 Qualcomm Make in Africa cohort can be found at the Qualcomm website.

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Fynd Expands Global Footprint, Adds Africa With Surtee Group Partnership

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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Fynd, an AI-native retail technology platform backed by Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, today announced its official expansion into South Africa, onboarding Surtee Group – one of the region’s most established luxury and fashion retailers – as its first strategic customer in the market. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for African retail, as legacy brands begin embracing digital transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Fynd

Fynd’s entry into Africa reflects its commitment to enabling digital transformation in high-growth retail markets worldwide. The move also comes at a turning point when South Africa’s e-commerce sector is projected to exceed R130 billion ($7.48 billion) in 2025, capturing nearly 10% of total retail sales – a fourfold increase since 2020.

According to Statista, South Africa is expected to have 11.7 million e-commerce users in 2025, with projections reaching 21.5 million by 2029. This growth is being driven by rising internet penetration, mobile-first shopping behaviour, and increasing trust in digital platforms. To meet rising consumer expectations, businesses are investing in AI and unified commerce platforms. Fynd’s scalable, AI-native stack is built to support this shift, enabling agility, personalisation, and operational efficiency.

“South Africa’s retail landscape is evolving fast,” said Ronak Modi, Chief Business Officer – Global at Fynd. “Consumers expect seamless, personalised experiences across every channel, and retailers need agile, intelligent infrastructure to keep up. Our platform is built to unify disconnected systems, speed up fulfilment, and elevate customer engagement; all without adding operational complexity.”

“South Africa is an exciting addition to our global footprint. The market is digitally ambitious, brand-forward, and ready for intelligent commerce infrastructure. Our goal is to help local retailers unify siloed systems, personalise engagement, and accelerate fulfilment without adding complexity.”

Surtee Group operates 94 boutiques and 2 e-commerce sites, comprising the multi-branded stores Levisons and the mono-brand boutiques, namely, Giorgio Armani, Michael Kors, Lacoste, Hugo Boss, VERSACE, TOD’S, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace Jeans Couture, Emporio Armani, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Luminance, Paul Smith, Coach, and Armani Exchange. They will implement Fynd’s unified commerce stack, including Storefronts, Order Management System (OMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Clienteling tools to connect in-store and online operations, streamline inventory visibility, and launch brand-specific ecommerce storefronts across its brand portfolio.

While online retail continues to surge, offline sales still represent the vast majority of revenue for retailers in the country. Fynd will enable Surtee Group to unify its offline inventory online, power ship-from-store capabilities, and improve both margins and sell-throughs. Additionally, products like Clienteling will empower in-store teams to engage customers better and drive incremental sales through personalised recommendations and seamless omnichannel experiences.

Fynd’s entry into the market is designed to meet this demand. Its AI-native platform enables real-time stock visibility, ship-from-store capabilities, dark store orchestration, and intelligent customer engagement all within a single scalable solution.

As part of its digital transformation roadmap, Surtee Group aims to consolidate its leadership in luxury and fashion retail while expanding into e-commerce and improving omnichannel agility.

“We were looking for a partner who understood both the technical and strategic dimensions of unified commerce,” said a Surtee Group spokesperson. “Fynd stood out for their proven scalability, consultative approach, and deep experience with global fashion brands, many of which align with our portfolio. Their unified stack enables us to modernise operations while building a connected, brand-first customer experience.”

Fynd has already scaled across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia, and now adds Africa to its regional presence. With Surtee Group leading the transformation, Fynd is positioned to play a key role in powering unified commerce adoption across South Africa’s growing digital economy.

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Telecom

AI Meets Governance: Anambra Rolls Out SmartGov for Seamless Citizen Interaction

Published

13 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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Anambra State has taken another decisive step in digital governance with the BETA launch of SmartGov (https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng), its digital government services platform designed to simplify how citizens access its over 31 public services anytime and anywhere.

Anambra Rolls Out SmartGov

SmartGov is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling citizens to interact with government through natural conversations rather than complex procedures or paperwork. At the core of the platform is NORA, an intelligent digital assistant trained on Anambra State government services, processes, and directories.

This launch further cements Anambra’s leadership in digital transformation, coming on the heels of its recognition at the recently held National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE), where the State won four major national awards, including Best Overall Performing State in Digital Technology Development and Best State in Human Capital Development.

SmartGov serves as a single digital gateway to official government information, services, and platforms across the State.

Using AI, the platform understands citizens’ questions and guides them accurately to the right service, requirement, or process.

Through a simple three-step interaction, citizens can:

1. Ask questions about any government service in plain language

2. Receive intelligent AI-driven guidance that directs them to the correct procedure, requirements, or platform

3. Get answers or complete transactions online, via WhatsApp, or through voice-enabled access

The platform currently covers eight major service categories, including Taxes and Revenue, Land and Property, Business Services, Health, Education, Security and Complaints, Transport and Vehicles, and Culture and Tourism.

With 24-hour availability and multilingual support in English and Igbo, SmartGov removes traditional barriers such as office hours, location, and unnecessary bureaucracy, making government services more inclusive and accessible.

From business-related inquiries to renewing vehicle papers, paying taxes, or locating the nearest health facility, SmartGov guides users clearly and seamlessly through each step of the process, ensuring accuracy and consistency across government interactions.

The BETA launch also showcases Anambra’s technical innovation by bringing together AI, voice-enabled access, and WhatsApp connectivity into one unified platform, all supported by a continuously updated government service directory.

This development positions Anambra as a national reference point for citizen-focused eGovernment, building on strong policy direction, sustained digital infrastructure investments, and a deliberate focus on human capital development.

Describing the platform and its functionality, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said SmartGov was built with citizens at the center.

“SmartGov is more than a service directory. It is an intelligent gateway that makes government interactions simple, fast, and reliable.”

He added that Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has consistently emphasized technology as the backbone of governance through the Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere vision.

“SmartGov is a practical expression of this vision. By embedding AI into everyday government services, Anambra State is making governance more transparent, accessible, and efficient for Ndi Anambra.”

As part of the BETA phase, SmartGov also has a dedicated feedback channel to support continuous improvement. Citizens are enjoined to submit feedback via https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng/feedback

In addition to existing channels such as the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and official email platforms, NORA, the AI digital assistant, is also available to guide users through the feedback process where required.

“As we refine SmartGov during this BETA phase, we invite Ndi Anambra to explore the platform, use it actively, and share feedback to help us make it even better,” CFA concluded.

SmartGov is now live at https://smart.anambrastate.gov.ng, ushering in a new era of AI-enabled, citizen-centric governance in Anambra State and advancing Mr Governor’s Smart Mega City vision, where innovation is expected, not optional.

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