In telecommunications, 5G is the fifth generation technology standard for broadband phone networks, which mobile phone companies began deploying worldwide in 2019, and is the planned successor to the 4G networks which provide connectivity to most current mobile devices.
Hence, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, on Monday called for action to make 5G transformative and sustainable development goal for countries across the globe.
Guterres made the call in his message to mark the World Telecommunication and Information Science Day, celebrated annually on May 17.
The UN scribe said that although the COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated digital transformation across the planet, millions worldwide still lacked internet access.
According to him, information and communication technologies (ICTs) must be “a force for good”.
“Digital technologies sustain life, work, health and learning for billions of people.
“In the face of COVID-19, businesses, governments and the digital community have proven resilient and innovative, helping to protect lives and livelihoods.
“These challenging times have accelerated the transformation everywhere,’’ Guterres said.
“They, too, must be included if we are to make the possibilities of 5G, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, digital health and other technologies truly transformative and sustainable.
However, the secretary-general reported some 3.7 billion people or nearly half the world’s population, remain unconnected to the internet; mostly women.
“We must also protect against the dangers of digital technologies, from the spread of hatred and misinformation to cyberattacks and the exploitation of our data.’’
The World Telecommunication and Information Science Day marks the signing, in 1865, of an agreement to form the International Telegraph Union (ITU), making it the world’s first modern international organisation.
ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao said the UN agency would use the Day to unite the world in pursuit of digital transformation in all areas of business and life.
“It will be an opportunity to strengthen national strategies on ICT development, implement smart policies and effective measures to encourage investments in ICTs and digital skills.
“It will also enable us to upgrade our services with new technologies, ranging from AI (Artificial Intelligence) to 5G that are central to the digital economy,’’ Zhao said in a video message.
Last June, the UN launched a roadmap for digital cooperation that lays out eight key actions, including achieving universal connectivity by 2030.
Guterres, said the roadmap, together with the vital work of the ITU, aimed to make the digital transformation equitable, safe, inclusive and affordable for all, while also respecting human rights.
“On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let us commit to working together to defeat COVID-19 and ensure that digital technologies are a force for good that help us to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind.’’
