Concerns over 5G rollout
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
Motions against the implementation of 5G mobile technology by the City of Windhoek, through an agreement with Huawei Communications, were referred back to management last Thursday after hours of deliberations.
Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) councillor Brunhilde Cornelius tabled two motions against the implementation of the technology, which was opposed mainly because of the financial impact it may have on the City.
In her first motion, Cornelius requested for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Huawei and the City be put on hold.
In a letter dated 17 April to the City's CEO Robert Kahimise, she argued that 5G is banned in several countries including the United States, Australia and Japan due to serious security concerns, and added that Namibians have a right to privacy in their own homes.
“Huawei does not have a licence in place to render services in Namibia and at the time of writing this motion, the City also did not have their licences in place.”
The City has since obtained a licence.
Competing with operators
She said the agreement will mean that the City will compete with operators such as MTC and TN Mobile, while Huawei will be the only vendor with the ability to roll out 5G.
Cornelius also questioned whether a multi-vendor procurement process had been applied.
“Were other vendors such as Samsung and Nokia approached for this?”
Furthermore, Cornelius wanted to know whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was done. If so, the results should be shared with the Council, she said.
Second motion
Cornelius also tabled a motion regarding the City's joint venture with Huawei. She said she was shocked to learn that the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) approved the City's licence. “This is to effectively monopolise the telecommunications sector in the capital.” In a letter dated 12 May to Kahimise, Cornelius said the City issued proposed regulations to regulate trenching and excavations on streets at the same time they received the licence from CRAN.
Financial implications
Although the motions were seconded, Swapo councillor Immanuel Paulus, who opposed the motions, mentioned financial implications, as the council had, in 2017, already approved the strategic plan to become a smart and caring city by 2022.
“Costs have already been incurred in an effort to achieve this plan and this includes obtaining a telecommunications service licence,” he said.
WINDHOEK
Motions against the implementation of 5G mobile technology by the City of Windhoek, through an agreement with Huawei Communications, were referred back to management last Thursday after hours of deliberations.
Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) councillor Brunhilde Cornelius tabled two motions against the implementation of the technology, which was opposed mainly because of the financial impact it may have on the City.
In her first motion, Cornelius requested for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Huawei and the City be put on hold.
In a letter dated 17 April to the City's CEO Robert Kahimise, she argued that 5G is banned in several countries including the United States, Australia and Japan due to serious security concerns, and added that Namibians have a right to privacy in their own homes.
“Huawei does not have a licence in place to render services in Namibia and at the time of writing this motion, the City also did not have their licences in place.”
The City has since obtained a licence.
Competing with operators
She said the agreement will mean that the City will compete with operators such as MTC and TN Mobile, while Huawei will be the only vendor with the ability to roll out 5G.
Cornelius also questioned whether a multi-vendor procurement process had been applied.
“Were other vendors such as Samsung and Nokia approached for this?”
Furthermore, Cornelius wanted to know whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was done. If so, the results should be shared with the Council, she said.
Second motion
Cornelius also tabled a motion regarding the City's joint venture with Huawei. She said she was shocked to learn that the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) approved the City's licence. “This is to effectively monopolise the telecommunications sector in the capital.” In a letter dated 12 May to Kahimise, Cornelius said the City issued proposed regulations to regulate trenching and excavations on streets at the same time they received the licence from CRAN.
Financial implications
Although the motions were seconded, Swapo councillor Immanuel Paulus, who opposed the motions, mentioned financial implications, as the council had, in 2017, already approved the strategic plan to become a smart and caring city by 2022.
“Costs have already been incurred in an effort to achieve this plan and this includes obtaining a telecommunications service licence,” he said.
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