Australia's Federal Government is to spend $9 million over four years to further research and boost confidence in new telecommunications technologies - and bust related myths.
5G will bring benefits such as much faster broadband but concerns remain from some corners about 5G safety. Misgivings about any new technology are understandable, but fanning the flames of fear with wild claims backed by false evidence only creates static that complicates understanding.
Fears concerning 5G are much like those associated with communications technologies that have gone before it - and while 5G operates on a higher frequency wavelength than 3G or 4G, it’s still well under what’s considered to be ionising radiation that poses risks to health.
Additionally, 5G signals are lower power and beamed over more tightly targeted areas than earlier generation networks such as 3G and 4G.
Still, it's a matter of getting this information out there and constantly testing current knowledge to ensure conclusions about 5G safety remain solid.
Under its initiative, the Morrison Government will support additional scientific research and further public education about electromagnetic energy (EME) emissions.
“The rigorous safety standards for mobile networks and devices in Australia draw on extensive scientific research into EME emissions, globally and in Australia, over many decades,” said Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher MP. “The enhanced EME program will make sure all Australians have access to clear, reliable and reputable information so they can take advantage of new technologies like 5G – and feel empowered to do so safely.”
As part of this, the Government is to provide more funding to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) for continued research on radio frequency. In June this year, ARPANSA weighed in on the issue of 5G safety and some of the claims made opposing the technology:
"We urge you to be cautious of claims from anti-5G campaigns," stated the Agency. "These campaigns are generating unfounded fear and concern within the community".
In its recent submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Inquiry into 5G in Australia, ARPANSA stated:
"Current research indicates that there is no established evidence for health effects from radio waves used in mobile telecommunications. This includes the upcoming roll-out of the 5G network. ARPANSA’s assessment is that 5G is safe."
