In telecommunications, 5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks, which cellular phone companies began deploying worldwide in 2019. It is the successor to the 4G network which provides connectivity to most current cell phones.
The new 5G network has higher download speed, peak speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbit/s). 5G has higher bandwidth to deliver faster speeds than 4G and can thus connect more different devices, improving the quality of internet services in crowded areas.
The launch was attended by President Adama Barrow, the Chief Executive Officer of QCell, Muhammed Jah, staff and management of QCell company, cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats and other Gambians.
“5G offers users to experience console-quality gaming on the go, to stream, share, post and work in public settings without being slowed down by everyone around the user when connected, and with QCell, people always have access to Gambia’s most reliable 5G network,” officials said.
Liu Zemin, General Manager of Huawei, West Africa, said: “QCell is the first to introduce 5G in The Gambia. This is the beginning of a new era towards digitalization and intelligence. 5G reckons to the future. The large band will help The Gambia to promote the development of the digital economy and accelerate digital transformation across the industry.”
Alieu Ngum, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) said: “5G creates very high data upload and download speeds of 10 to 20 gigabytes per second and is possible with the 5G technology. The number of devices supported per square kilometer is expected to be in the millions.”
Deputy Information Minister of Sierra Leone, Solomon Jamiru, commended Qcell for being the first West African telecom company to launch 5G.
Digital Economy Minister, Osman Bah, said: “5G is a pinnacle communication network that is a key instrument towards the realization of the digital transformation agenda. Where downloading heavy files takes hours, could now take seconds with the 5G.”
Muhammed Jah presents honorary award to President Barrow
In his remarks, President Barrow said the citizenry is proud that The Gambia is the first country to launch the latest generation of communication technology for cellular networks in the ECOWAS region.
QCell CEO Muhammed Jah, delivering his five-page speech
“In demonstrating in the best possible way that our motto “we innovate, others follow,” is more than a slogan, I offer you QCell’s 5G network, with humility, hope and joy. Welcome to the future, the future is now,” said Business Mogul and CEO of QCell, Muhammed Jah.
President Barrow and Qcell official cutting the 5G cake
