MMF, IHS back forum on mobile phones, health

THE Belgium based Mobile Manufacturers Forum (MMF), telecoms giant MTN Nigeria, telecoms infrastructure provider, IHS and the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have given their backing for the forum on ‘Mobile Phones, Base Stations and Health Concerns’.

The event is being organized by ITWorld International in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

A press statement from the organisers, endorsed by Mr. Enyi Moses, indicated that MMF team would be led by Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Mr. Thomas Barmueller.

The MMF director was also quoted as saying that their participation would clarify and expose some industrial concerns at the forum.

“Much of the public concern relates to the possibility of health hazards from long term exposures to electromagnetic radiation. There is need to set the records straight and that is what the MMF is set to achieve at the forum,” he said.

The forum, which holds on August 11 at the Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi-Lagos, he said, is taking place under ITWorld International Magazine’s enlightenment programme on issues of public interest to Nigerians on the use of technology in its various formats.

Additionally, he said, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has endorsed the forum, even as its chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, would also preside over the round-table.

Responding on his role as the forum chairman, Mr. Adebayo commended the organizers, stressing that the event is topical and timely.

“ALTON fully supports the forum and hope it will be an annual event,” he declared.
Speaking further, Mr. Moses, who is the chief executive officer, ITWorld International said that the forum promises to make the issues of radiation from mobile phone systems and base stations more understandable.

“That is why the forum presentations have been categorized under safety standards, infrastructure and social issues. Safety Standards and compliance for mobile communications, the impact of mobile phone base station towers on the environment, electromagnetic radiation issues and articulated views by the MMF are some of the high-powered presentations expected at the forum,” he said.

According to him, the forum would equally feature a panel of discussants drawn from a cross section of mobile & fixed wireless operators as well as mobile phone vendors.

Confirmed speakers at this one day forum include the Managing Director, IHS Plc, Mr. William Saad, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, and Dr Abbas-salam of Dept of Radiotherapy, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.


ITREALMS Online ... delivering news for ICT4D