21 September, 2021
5G disinformation: EU associations go local to spotlight opportunities, debunk myths
Brussels, 21 September 2021 – Since the coronavirus hit Europe in early 2020, 5G disinformation spreading online has provoked more than 288 arson attacks against antennas as well as several episodes of violence against telecom workers across 13 European countries, including 30 attacks in the first three months of this year.
Today, telecom associations ETNO and GSMA have released a new guide on 5G aimed at helping local communities across Europe see the economic and social benefits of the next generation of mobile technology. The guide also debunks myths related to 5G safety and environmental impact.
The guide gathers factual information on 5G drawn from national and international health authorities as well as insights from top economic studies. In addition, it provides concrete inspiration and examples on the use of 5G technology in nine European countries, ranging from precision ship construction in Spain to smart universities in Estonia.
The guide comes as 5G is already commercially available in 30 European countries, from almost 84 operators. The guide has been made available already in 4 languages (EN, FR, IT, ES,) and will be soon released in several other European languages.
EXCERPTS FROM THE GUIDE
Key health facts about 5G
- 5G complies with international safety guidelines
- The WHO clearly states: “Provided that the overall exposure remains below international guidelines, no consequences for public health are anticipated.”
Key economic & environmental facts about 5G
- Reports show that full 5G deployment in Europe could lead to 2.4 new million jobs by 2025 and generate €113 billion per year in GDP
- 5G is designed to transfer data more energy efficiently than 4G. What is more, reports show that widespread adoption of mobile technology has the potential to reduce global CO2 emissions by 20% by 2030
- Several public authorities confirm the same exposure limits that protect people also protect the environment
Media inquiries:
ETNO, Alessandro Gropelli, gropelli@etno.eu
GSMA, Noelle Knox, NKnox@gsma.com
