Campaign group welcomes debate on 5G in States

A requete, led by Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez and signed by six other deputies, took no position about the safety of the technology, nor the policy or regulation of the roll-out.

But some anticipated that the discussion could centre on the health ramifications, if any.

But in a joint statement, two States bodies said that 5G was safe.

In an impassioned statement, protest group Say No To 5G said it would be encouraged and reassured if a proper debate were to take place.

‘We want education with rules and regulations (where applicable) for the safe use of technology at home and in our workplaces. Point of sale literature when devices are sold warning of the possible health risk in the same way as tobacco. An inexpensive cost to the taxpayer.’

The group said that 5G could be a health hazard and argued the roll-out should be delayed until the technology was proven safe.

The frequencies used by 5G technologies fall within the safety limits of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

A joint statement from Public Health Services and Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation said it had evaluated the risks and deemed 5G safe.

‘Currently we feel there is insufficient evidence of adverse health or environmental effects of electromagnetic field radiation connected to the use of 5G frequencies.

Therefore there is no indication to impose tougher restrictions than are currently in place.

‘However this is a topic that we will continue to monitor and keep under review as new evidence emerges or as guidance is updated.’

The statement also described radiation monitoring tests performed by regulatory body Cicra as ‘robust’.

Justin Bellinger, Sure’s Guernsey chief digital officer, said safety was paramount.

‘Sure is committed to safety and our current and future mobile networks will continue to meet the safety standards set by the ICNIRP, which are regulated and independently verified by Cicra in the Channel Islands.’

Airtel-Vodafone’s head of technical, Rohit Khullar, said it had followed proper channels.

‘Airtel-Vodafone has recently submitted its latest response to Cicra’s 5G (ITT) consultation process.

‘The document gives our full detailed response in the areas of security, including critical infrastructure, the planning process, health and safety as well as coverage.’

Jersey Telecoms declined to comment, as did Economic Development, because it had not yet discussed the requete.

One poster on the Guernsey Press website was less concerned about health and more concerned about security risk.

‘I’d sooner see a debate on whether to allow the continued use of Chinese vendors in Guernsey’s telecom sector.’

Another was more concerned about the expense of the debate.

‘Debating this is a waste of deputies’ time and therefore a waste of taxpayers’ money.

‘There is no credible evidence of health concerns, and no change to safety/security concerns from 4G.’

Another user was worried that scientific evidence would be misinterpreted. ‘Really looking forward to the complete misunderstanding of the science behind this requete.’