As Ghana advances in adopting cutting-edge technology, addressing power supply issues and developing digital public infrastructure (DPI) is essential, according to the Africa Centre for Digital Transformation (ACDT).
The 5G network promises ultra-fast speeds, massive connectivity, and ultra-low latency, enabling innovative new applications and services. However, the ACDT emphasized that robust DPI is necessary to fully leverage these benefits.
The ACDT noted that the success of 5G relies heavily on the capacity and resilience of underlying DPI, such as broadband networks, data centers, and advanced computing resources.
In this context, the introduction of 5G services presents both opportunities and challenges amid Ghana’s ongoing power crisis. The ability of NextGen InfraCo, the company tasked with rolling out 5G, to navigate these challenges should be a concern for all.
ACDT’s concerns arise amid periodic power outages across the country due to infrastructural limitations and supply-demand imbalances. These interruptions impact the seamless operation of the 5G network, which requires a consistent and reliable electricity supply.
ACDT’s Executive Director, Kwesi Atuahene, highlighted that to cover a defined geographical area, a 5G network will require more base stations than a 2G/3G/4G network.
“While the deployment of 5G technology holds immense potential for enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth, it also necessitates a robust and resilient power infrastructure to effectively support its operation.
“A constant supply of electricity will be necessary for the operation of 5G base stations and data centers. Power outages can cause network downtime and service interruptions, which have an impact on user connectivity,” he said.
Thus, the current power crisis means the 5G network will also need additional backup power.
“While the deployment of 5G technology holds immense potential for enhancing connectivity, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth, it also necessitates a robust and resilient power infrastructure to effectively support its operation.
“A constant supply of electricity will be necessary for the operation of 5G base stations and data centers. Power outages can cause network downtime and service interruptions, which have an impact on user connectivity,” he said.
He added that 5G is designed to support fast networking speeds for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, some of which power critical equipment like medical devices. Power outages affecting these devices can be disastrous.
“The current power outages will degrade the quality of service for 5G users, resulting in slower data speeds, dropped calls, and communication disruptions. This can have an impact on a range of sectors dependent on 5G connectivity, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation,” he highlighted.
The ACDT emphasized that for 5G to transform industries and communities, gaps and vulnerabilities in DPI must be addressed. It calls on policymakers and industry leaders to make strategic investments to fortify this critical foundation and unleash the full potential of 5G.
Key priority areas include upgrading and expanding electricity infrastructure to improve reliability and reduce power outages, exploring renewable energy solutions like solar and wind power, and enhancing the power grid’s resilience.
Other measures include strengthening backup power systems for 5G infrastructure, deploying advanced battery technologies and efficient generator systems, and expanding high-speed broadband access to unserved and underserved areas.
“We recognize the importance of addressing the power crisis to ensure a successful implementation of 5G telephony services by NextGen InfraCo. Therefore, we seek to draw the attention of Ghana’s government to immediately prioritize the following, or else it will be another avenue for ‘create, loot and share,’” ACDT cautioned.
It called on all stakeholders – including government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and the general public – to address the power crisis first before fully unlocking the transformative power of 5G for Ghana’s sustainable development.
This call follows the government’s announcement to roll out 5G network services within the next six months.