Internet experts are encouraging the Nigerian government to upgrade infrastructure and devices to prevent internet space shutdown because of old internet protocol (IP) use.
The topic was addressed by analysts at the IPV6 Roundtable Digital SENSE Africa Media in Lagos at the weekend.
Otunte Otueneh, engineer at the Nigeria Chapter Officer of the Internet Society, warned the IPv4 use is outdated.
“Communication providers and end users have to be aware of this, if not they risk losing connectivity because the version they are using is on brink of extinction,” Otueneh said, as reported by The Herald.
According to the engineer, original equipment manufacturers will produce equipment to ensure IPv6 technology enablement.
He explained problems will arise from IPv4 requests to an internet service provider (ISP) running on IPv6 because of incompatibility.
The unparalleled IP connection will cause loss of connection for the end user.
Benedict Othello, head of information systems at Phase 3 Telecoms, said: “Users on the IPv4 platform will not be accommodated by the service providers at some point.”
Othello referred to the rollout of Nigerian SIM cards failing to expand modules for subscribers as an example of company actions affecting companies.
“It is all about upgrading to new version to accommodate more customers,” he said.
The telecom official emphasised the importance of training technical staff to prevent the lack of qualification and competence.
He believes disregarding the incentive will lead to “capital flight” in the IT environment.
