5G is the latest step in the evolution of mobile communication
The overall aim of 5G is to provide connectivity everywhere for any kind of device that may benefit from being connected. 5G supports a wide range of new applications and use cases, including smart homes, traffic safety, critical infrastructure, industry processes, very-high-speed media delivery and Internet of Things.
5G capabilities extend far beyond previous generations
To meet the demands of the new applications and use cases, the capabilities of 5G extend far beyond previous generations of mobile communication. Examples are very high data rates, very short delay (latency), ultra-high reliability, high energy efficiency and ability to handle many more devices within the same area.
Radio waves are used for communication in 5G
Like in previous mobile networks, 5G devices communicate with base stations by transmitting and receiving radio waves, or radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF).
5G uses a new radio technology and new frequency bands
5G networks incorporate a new radio technology that meets all the extended capability demands. To increase the capacity of the mobile networks and support very high data rates, 5G extends the range of frequencies used for mobile communication. This includes new spectrum below 6 GHz, as well as spectrum in higher frequency bands up to 40 GHz.
5G equipment use beamforming to improve performance
To address the demands of increased performance, 5G base stations use many antennas. Arrays of up to hundreds of small antennas at the base station make it possible to direct the transmission of radio waves to maximize the signals that the connected devices receive. This is called beamforming or massive MIMO. Thanks to this technology the transmitted power can be kept low resulting in radio wave exposure at similar levels as in previous networks, even though the performance is significantly improved.
Exposure levels are below international safety limits
The power levels of the radio signals transmitted by 5G radio equipment are of similar magnitude as those used in previous networks. 5G devices are designed and tested to comply with established radio wave exposure limits. 5G base stations are positioned so that the exposure in homes and public areas is well below the limits.
Public access is restricted where needed
As for earlier mobile networks, the exposure limits may be reached near a base station antenna. The antennas are installed in such a way that unauthorized people do not have access to this area, which varies in size from a few centimeters for small indoor antennas up to several meters for antennas mounted on masts or on rooftops. The intensity of the exposure drops quickly when moving away from the antenna, and the exposure levels are well below the limits in places where people normally reside.
Exposure limits are set by independent organizations
Independent expert organizations such as the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have established exposure limits for radio waves based on many years of research. These science-based limits include large safety margins. ICNIRP is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the exposure limits have been adopted by national authorities in most countries. 5G equipment, whether it be mobile devices or base stations, meet the same safety standards as the equipment used in previous mobile communication networks.
No adverse health effects from mobile communications
The World Health Organization (WHO) states in its fact sheet on base stations and wireless networks: "From all evidence accumulated so far, no adverse short- or long-term health effects have been shown to occur from the RF signals produced by base stations" and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) writes on its website: “The weight of scientific evidence has not linked exposure to radio frequency energy from cell phone use with any health problems”.