Community first with 5G
IN RECENT WEEKS, I have had some very constructive conversations with members of our community about 5G – what it is, what it will do, and what it won’t do. The points that have come up might also be of interest to readers of the Press. During 2019, the Committee for Economic Development will publish a policy letter, to be debated by the States, which will set out the next stage of the telecommunications strategy. Central to that is the roll-out of 5G.
Those who follow technology developments will know that 5G is a term used to describe the next generation of mobile internet connectivity. It is a significant step forward designed for speed and to manage the rapidly growing number of connected devices. In practical terms, it will give families and businesses greater speed and reliability online; and enable the States – like other governments – to move services online for those who wish to access them in that way.
The possibilities, though, are greater even than that. 5G gives us the opportunity to develop smarter traffic management, more bespoke health and care services, enhanced education and training across our schools, in addition to greater opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. In short, there could be long-term benefits across all our community. 5G technology is still under development, but it is expected that the first 5G networks could be locally available from 2020-21. However, test licences and spectrum are available now and we may see trials during 2019, and almost certainly in 2020 as well as the infrastructure preparations for the roll-out. It is important to emphasise that this will not be a free for all, but will be a well-regulated and closely managed roll-out of a new technology. The committee is taking a balanced and considered approach to the policy in close consultation with regulator Cicra.
5G occupies a range of frequencies including some in the higher area of the radio spectrum than existing technologies. This allows for connections at higher speeds but also limits range; and less range also means less power output at the antenna. To ensure comprehensive coverage and the faster data speeds users want, it is likely more antennas will be needed. These are smaller than ever and not likely to be obtrusive like older versions and this will be closely managed by the Development & Planning Authority.
The practice of antenna sharing could occur with 5G and the roll-out of a network may also present opportunities for telecoms operators to investigate network sharing. This could reduce antenna demand and therefore the number needed. It is very important to emphasise that all emissions will be closely monitored. Each mobile network operator’s licence contains an obligation to meet standards set by the recognised international body, the Independent Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection.
Locally, Cicra carries out annual audits of masts and antennas across the Channel Islands. Emissions are measured to ensure they meet the standards set by ICNIRP for their mobile networks and equipment.
As technology has developed, each generation of mobile equipment has become more efficient and required less power to carry data services. 5G is no exception and we would expect overall power levels of individual antennas and masts [per gigabit/megabit of data] to be lower than for previous generations of mobile services. That does not mean we can be complacent and we fully expect Cicra to impose the same tough standards and inspection regime on 5G services as it currently applies and to take account of changes and updates to the ICNIRP standards as they are revised. The most recent Cicra survey was in 2017. None of the sites surveyed in Guernsey or across the Bailiwick was found to exceed the standards set by the ICNIRP. The full results, with an interactive map of locations and detailed reports for each individual site, are available on Cicra’s website.
The ICNIRP is an independent international body recognised by the World Health Organisation which was set up to review the effects of non-ionising radiation on health. Significant international research has been undertaken on the effects on radio waves and the weight of evidence indicates that there is no direct link to health risks from mobile antennas. The ICNIRP continually reviews the latest scientific findings and will revise standards to reflect new evidence.
A final point worth noting is about personal data security. Keeping our community’s data secure is essential and we have brought in data protection legislation and regulation that means members of the community can be assured their privacy will be respected and their rights recognised.
However 5G is rolled out, we will put our community first.
DEPUTY ANDREA DUDLEY-OWEN
Vice-president, Committee for Economic Development