Concerns around public health, and conspiracy theories linking 5G to COVID-19 have seen more than 200 attacks on mobile masts this year already around the world.
The current anti-5G protests are not a first. Previous generations of mobile technology sparked equally intense opposition, though less amplified due to the absence of social media at the time of 3G. As mobile markets grew, consumers embraced the convenience of mobile services, and protests lost momentum.
Consumer bodies can play an important role in dispelling myths around 5G. Some of them are already doing so, although more coordination is needed internationally to make sure they do not send mixed messages. Operators should support independent research on the effects of mobile, and work with local authorities to address any legitimate concerns that arise.
Attacks on mobile masts have been common across Europe
During 2020, mobile operators faced a rising tide of protests against the deployment of 5G. While protests against the erection of mobile masts have occurred in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation worse, due to conspiracy theories linking 5G to the spread of coronavirus. Between April and May 2020, the GSMA issued two statements to condemn attacks on mobile masts. In most cases, these attacks were not even against 5G masts and had the consequence of leaving critical services such as hospitals without connectivity. By May 2020, the GSMA reported 120 attacks against mobile networks in 10 European countries; in October 2020, it had risen to 221 attacks across 18 countries globally. The UK has been the hardest hit, with 87 attacks, followed by France (50) and the Netherlands (30).
On 19 October 2020, the increase in attacks to mobile masts led 15 EU countries to write a joint letter to the European Commission, expressing concern regarding the ‘escalating disinformation’ around 5G and the effects of electromagnetic exposure. The 15 countries warned that acts of vandalism against telecommunication infrastructure and escalating disinformation on electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and 5G are not only a threat to the economy, but also hinder the ability for the EU to meet its ambitious 5G targets. The increasing mistrust could even hamper the smooth introduction of an easier, permit-free deployment framework that is planned. The countries called on the EC to work with member states on measures to counter disinformation on 5G as soon as possible, and recognise the need for awareness campaigns based on digital literacy, education and transparency, enabling European citizens to critically assess the available information. At the same time, the concerns of those worried about the effects of 5G should be taken into account in a broad and inclusive debate.
History repeating itself
The current wave of anti-5G sentiment is not a first. Previous generations of mobile technology sparked intense opposition, particularly when the roll-out of 3G began at the turn of the millennium. In the UK, protests against 3G masts reached their peak in the early 2000s, threatening operators’ deployment plans in some parts of the country. Local communities objected to the installation of additional masts needed to offer 3G alongside 2G. UK planning laws were considered to be the most lax in Europe, allowing for masts being built in residential areas and on school grounds. The Town and Country Planning Order of 1995 rules that masts under 15 metres of height do not require planning permission, and objections to those over that height can only be made on amenity grounds. Activists groups such as Mast Action UK advocated for the masts to be built at a safe distance from the vulnerable, such as children, introducing an exclusion zone like elsewhere in Europe and the US.
Lawmakers and industry had to respond to growing concerns. In 2002, a Labour MP proposed the Telecommunications Transmitters (Restrictions on Planning Applications) Bill, which would have stopped mobile operators from repeatedly making applications for planning permissions after earlier requests have been rejected. Operators also had to face complaints that mobile masts are unsightly, and in some cases were obligated to plant trees in order to hide sites. Ironically, years later this resulted in network quality being hampered because the growth of trees blocked antennas.
Over time, the most pressing concerns that emerged during the deployment of 3G subsided, although some vehement protests were still happening in 2011. It is difficult to pin this down to specific factors, however the growth of the mobile market and of the whole ecosystem it supports is likely to be the main reason. As more people relied on mobile technology, the benefits of mobile have outweighed the concerns for any risks they may pose, especially in the absence of compelling evidence of health hazards. However, each subsequent generation of mobile technology has revived the debate; the fact that concerns over 5G appear more pressing than they were at the time of 4G could be explained by the increased prevalence of social media in the way people get their information and communicate.
Consumer groups are keen to dispel myths, but they need to speak with one voice
Consumer groups can play an important role in limiting the spread of disinformation about 5G, while at the same highlighting any legitimate concerns that still need to be addressed. In the UK, Which? Has sought to dispel myths about the safety of 5G, including through a series of YouTube videos. In other countries, equivalent organisations have put in place similar initiatives (Altroconsumo in Italy, Test-Achats in Belgium, Stiftung Warentest in Germany, Consumer in New Zealand). This is a start, although it may not be sufficient to counter the continuous stream of anti-5G campaigns seen on social media. It is apparent that people who hold strong views about possible negative effects of EMF exposure criticise those consumer bodies for their stance, and accuse them of siding with the industry.
Consumer bodies also need to talk to each other across countries, and strive to reach a common position and common communications strategies to better counter the effect of disinformation campaigns. At present, not all consumers organisations are on the same page. In September 2019, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) called on EU institutions to carry out further research, recognising the importance of investigating the effects of 5G rather than trying to prevent negative communication about it or to be overly alarming. BEUC mentioned the concerns raised by a consumer body in Romania, which is supporting the ‘Stop 5G’ campaign, and a 5G Appeal which was signed by more than 400 scientists and medical doctors as of 19 October 2020. In Austria, the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) noted that there is ‘no reliable data’ on biological effects.
Operators should support independent research and communicate to consumers how they can benefit from 5G
Unsurprisingly, the industry has played down concerns. The GSMA published an extensive list of resources to counter the claims that 5G poses health risks, including some videos. Similarly, the association of British mobile operators Mobile UK provides information and responses to frequently asked questions about the effect of EMF exposure, and of 5G in particular. In July 2019, the association published a pamphlet on 5G and health. Debunking myths is important to help consumers get the right information; however, having a purely reactive approach may not be enough to address all the concerns. Consumers are unlikely to trust operators unreservedly, and may suspect that research that completely dismisses any risks of 5G is biased. Operators should strive to support independent research, and show their customers that they are prepared to take on board any new evidence that may emerge. For example, Vodafone commits to funding research through bodies such as national governments to ensure that the research remains independent of industry influence.
Past experiences suggest that gradual adoption of a new technology is likely to weaken opposition, as people embrace the convenience of the new services – such as, for instance, the potentially life-saving connected ambulances that are part of the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme in the UK. As consumers experience the uses and benefits of 5G directly, this is likely to go a long way toward increasing acceptance. In the meantime, operators will likely have to continue to minimise the visual impact of their equipment, in order to avoid protests related to the environmental impact of their installations, especially in view of the high density of 5G networks. Once 5G will become part of our day-to-day life, it will likely meet much less resistance.
