5G

We have had a lot questions relating to ‘5G’ so we thought we would make a short Q & A on the subject covering some of the main questions. Understandably, many people are worried about 5G and how it will affect their health. Before we delve into the questions, it’s important to understand that 5G is simply the ‘fifth-generation’ of mobile internet connectivity, just as 3G proceeded 2G and 4G proceeded 3G. It continues to use the same electromagnetic energy which we use for our existing networks, just at different frequencies.

IS 5G THE SAME AS 5GHZ?

This is a common misconception; 5G only stands for ‘fifth-generation’ but this generation of technology will technically include the 5GHz frequency band.

What frequencies will 5G use?

Initially, the frequencies used will be between 700 MHz and 6 GHz, encompassing both radio and microwave frequency bands. Both frequency bands in the higher GHz range are intended for locally restricted applications. There is however, plans to utilise higher millimeter waves found in the spectrum 30 GHz and upwards but this won’t happen for many more years. An internationally advertised demonstration at 28 GHz on the occasion of the Global Mobile Broadband Forum 2018 in London clearly showed the physical limits as soon as the line of sight was only partly interrupted. The frequencies above 86 GHz are only considered for very short line-of-sight applications (e.g. between PC and monitor).

WILL 5G BE ABLE TO TRAVEL VERY FAR?

Higher frequencies, like that in the GHz range do not travel well, particularly through objects. Even rain will be very disruptive to the 5G network. To get round this, governments are forced to install millions of small antennas to create a dense network. This will involve installing antennas at the end of most streets and utilising existing infrastructure like lampposts. Lampposts have become hot property because 5G requires the installation of transmitters on a dense network of masts taller than a double-decker bus. As a result, mobile network operators (MNOs) are clamoring for access to tall structures in cities, and are threatening legal action to any local authorities or landlords who stand in their way. See this article in the Guardian for further reading.

WHEN WILL 5G BEGIN ROLLING OUT?

5G has already been tested in many cities, with parts of the network now active. Commercial rollout is expected in 2019/20 but it will take much longer before 5G is widely available simply due to the amount of work required.

If I buy a 5G ready phone, will that increase my exposure to microwave radiation?

Theoretically yes, because your phone would have the capabilities to communicate with the 5G antenna, thereby increasing your exposure to higher frequencies.

I live in the UK, which cities are planning on utilising 5G?

So far we know that the first 5G cities in the UK (named by EE) include London, Cardiff, Edinburgh Belfast, Birmingham and Manchester. We suspect many more will follow in the coming months and announcements to be made across the BBC when this happens.

WHAT TESTS HAVE BEEN DONE ON 5G with regard to health?

We aren’t aware of any safety tests that have been done on 5G in relation to human health. The ICNIRP (international committee for non-ionising radiation protection) states that these radiofrequencies and microwaves are not problematic for human health, except in extremely high doses where they cause heating. Unfortunately, there is a wealth of research which shows that this non-ionising radiation does have many other effects on human health, other than heating (see our health section).

What does the scientific community think about 5G?

Currently there is a large appeal happening from the scientific and medical community regarding the safety of 5G. The 5G Appeal was prepared in 2017 by scientist and doctors who are urgently calling for the EU to halt the roll out of 5G due to serious potential health effects from this new technology. 5G will substantially increase exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on top of the 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi, etc. for telecommunications already in place. As of June 16, 2019, 240 scientists and medical doctors have signed the appeal.

Can I buy a 5g EMF meter?

As mentioned earlier, 5G will initially use the frequency band of 700 Mhz to 6GHz so if you’re buying an EMF meter, you want to look for one that can measure in this range of high frequencies (see our meters). However, for most houses, a meter measuring 800 MHz to 2.7 GHz will suffice. With regard to the higher frequencies above 30 GHz, we do not know of any commercially available EMF meters that can detect this range accurately.