The UK Government has published a guide aimed at dispelling disinformation surrounding 5G and its effects on health.
In recent months, a number of UK-based 5G masts have been vandalised by people under the false impression that the new network was detrimental to human health. Some spurious sources have even alleged that 5G is to blame for the current COVID–19 outbreak.
The spread of these allegations has come about despite a wealth of scientific evidence to the contrary. This has prompted the Government to issue a new clarifying report on the issue.
Titled ‘5G mobile technology: a guide’ and issued in conjunction with Ofcom, the four page report spells out that all rumours of 5G’s adverse effects on health are “completely unfounded and should not be used as a basis to block or delay 5G rollout”.
It then runs through a definition of what exactly 5G is, as well as the differences between 5G and 4G, and the higher frequency radio waves that the new network uses. Using a helpful graphic, the report succinctly highlights the huge gap between the harmless non-ionising radio frequencies that 5G employs and those of genuinely harmful ionising frequencies.
Following the presentation of this data, the guide refers to the unequivocal view of medical experts that 5G is harmless to human health. It also addresses uncertainty around 5G’s future use of higher millimetre wave (mmWave) frequencies, and highlights the fact that these have actually been in use for many years in fields such as satellite earth stations and radio astronomy, and thus are well covered by safety guidelines.
In an accompanying letter, MPs Simon Clarke and Matt Warman have called on local councils to help facilitate 5G rollout around the UK, and to do their part in countering the disinformation that’s particular prevalent on social media.
Minister for Digital Infrastructure Matt Warman said: "We want to help people get access to fast and reliable connectivity. It is a top priority for this government. Councils have a vital role to play in the rollout of digital infrastructure and while there is good work going on up and down the country, there is more we can do.
“Today I’m writing to local authorities with new guidance and advice to help them break down some of the barriers to rollout and give them the tools they need to quell quack theories about 5G.”
For more on this issue, be sure to read our own 5G health guide, where we address some of the misleading claims that are circulating about the next generation of mobile network technology.
Jon has nine years experience of writing and editing copy for leading publications, as well as attending technology shows and events and conducting interviews. Currently working with 5G.co.uk, TechRadar, Trusted Reviews, T3, Digital Spy, What Mobile, Pocket Gamer, and The Gadget Show.
Ofcom has laid out its plans for the auctioning of 26GHz and 40GHz mmWave 5G spectrum.
