5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology that allows people to access the internet on their smartphones, computers, and other devices.
Launched in 2019, the network is faster than previous mobile networks, with reduced latency (or delay) and greater capacity for multiple devices to connect to an area simultaneously.
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5G masts and antennas have been approved across Buckinghamshire this year, from High Wycombe to Aylesbury, with new infrastructure planned for other towns and villages.
Buckinghamshire Council has also announced plans for new 5G technology as part of a £4 million scheme with neighboring counties.
Experts explain why counties need new 5G infrastructure, how it works and whether there are health risks.
Why are so many 5G masts, towers, and base stations being built?
Professor Izzat Darwazeh from University College London said this was due to the small area covered by 5G antennas, known as “cells”.
The academic is UCL Professor of Communications Engineering and Director of the UCL Institute of Communications and Connectivity Systems.
In an interview with Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), he said that because 5G has shorter wavelengths than its predecessor, 4G, “many base stations” are needed to host the large number of cells and antennas needed for 5G. Ta.
Read more: Aylesbury’s 5g mast plans have residents worried
The academic said this could explain the recent uptake of 5G infrastructure in Buckinghamshire; another reason could be that more servers are needed in certain areas and for specific purposes. He added that it is sexual.
He said: “You may need servers for BBC iPlayer or Amazon. These servers are often distributed in the case of 5G, so they are located not far from the base station.”
Professor Rahim Tafazoli, Regius Professor at the University of Surrey and Head of ICS, 5/6GIC, told LDRS that another reason for the growing need for 5G technology is that Buckinghamshire’s population continues to grow. The number of users may be increasing in these areas.
He said: “Faster broadband speeds will allow us to support more users, but if our infrastructure can’t meet demand, we may need to add more sites.” I did.
How does 5G work?
5G base stations can look like small boxes because they have multiple antennas that send and receive signals carried by radio waves.
Professor Tafazoli said the antennas are often manufactured by Ericsson and Nokia and provide “good coverage and good capacity for users in the local area of EE, O2, Vodafone and Three, one of the UK’s core networks. “I will.”
He said, “Each of these antennas covers a portion of the area. For example, if you have four, each one covers 90 degrees.
“The laws of physics say that if you put the same amount of power into two frequency bands, the one with the higher frequency band will travel a shorter distance.
“4G has a lower frequency than 5G, so it can travel longer distances with the same amount of power. That’s why we still need 4G to provide capacity.”
Are there any health risks?
Both scholars unequivocally argued that 5G poses no health risks and that the risks are even lower than previous technologies, which were already very low risk.
Professor Tafazoli said: “There are limits and regulations on the power that can be transmitted from base stations and masts.
“There is absolutely no scientific evidence that it causes health problems. Of course we can’t stop people from spreading rumors. They’re not scientists.”
