The Federal Government will be investing $9m over the next four years to address the rampant misinformation about the safety of 5G and increase public confidence in the new mobile networks being rolled out across the country.
The new initiatives by the Morrison Government will address the incorrect information about electromagnetic energy and include scientific research to educate the public on the real facts about the technology behind 5G.
There has been no shortage of hysteria about 5G and an equally rampant stream of anxiety and anger over claims the new network was harmful and could place lives in danger.
And thousands of people joined the cause but didn’t bother to check the facts.
But now the government is stepping in to put an end to the unfounded outrage and numerous conspiracy theories which included radiation from 5G towers killing wildlife and causing cancer.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher MP says there has been significant community interest around 5G and the goal is to offer an assurance that the 5G network expands across Australia are completely safe.
“The rigorous safety standards for mobile networks and devices in Australia draw on extensive scientific research into electromagnetic energy (EME) emissions, globally and in Australia, over many decades,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Emissions from mobile networks and devices in Australia typically fall below the regulated limits by factors of a hundred or more.
“EME levels from mobile networks and devices are typically at similar levels to familiar household devices such as microwave ovens and baby monitors.
“The safety standards for 5G networks are consistent with those applicable to early generations of mobile technology – even though 5G networks typically use radio signals which are lower power and over more tightly targeted areas than earlier generation networks.
“These standards have been developed with expert advice from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), drawing in turn on work by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“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.”
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), the peak national body representing the Australian mobile telecommunications industry, has welcomed the Federal Government initiative and investment to build public confidence on mobile communication safety.
“AMTA, on behalf of the mobile telecommunications industry, welcomes the Government’s announcement of increased investment in scientific research and further public education to help in building community confidence around 5G safety,” said AMTA CEO Chris Althaus.
“We are pleased that the Government recognises the importance of 5G technology and the need to address misinformation about electromagnetic energy (EME) which has caused concerns in some parts of the community.
“5G, the 5th generation of mobile networks, is a significant evolution from today’s 4G networks.
“It has been designed to meet the very large growth in demand for data and connectivity in today’s modern society, enabling enhanced mobile broadband, instantaneous connectivity to billions of devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) and tomorrow’s innovations.”
A Telstra spokesman also applauded the Government investment and said: “This is a positive move by the Government.
“We know there are people and communities with questions about 5G and EME levels as it is rolled out and we welcome the Government’s investment in helping to keep people informed about its safety.
“We have done our own extensive testing of 5G and found EME levels to be well below the safety limits set by the relevant authorities.”
