Popular 5G Myths, Busted!
You’ve no doubt heard some buzz about 5G over the past few years. It’s been on everyone’s minds as the next big technological leap forward. But not all of the vague, confusing rumors about 5G are true. As a matter of fact, many of them aren’t even close to the truth. Today, we’re busting those myths, so you can be better informed on this technology.
5G Causes Cancer
5G does not cause cancer or brain tumors. All types of electromagnetic radiation are on a spectrum from least- to most-energy (the further away from, the higher energy end of the scale, the less energy the radiation has). Non-ionizing radiation is lower in energy than ionizing radiation. 5G mobile network technology is transmitted over non-ionizing radio waves.
5G Is Linked to Covid-19
No connection exists between 5G and the coronavirus pandemic. Recently, false claims circulated on social media that 5G networks were spreading the virus, and some conspiracy theorists falsely claimed that a group of “global elites” was using the technology to spread the virus. One theory suggests that 5G networks are a virus incubator, while another theory claims that 5G networks emit radiation that makes the immune system weak, and so, people are more likely to contract COVID-19, or the 5G virus.
5G Can Be Weaponized
Each new wireless technology that comes along brings with it concerns about electromagnetic radiation. It was an issue when 4G was introduced, and it’s an issue with 5G. But in all likelihood, the 5G rollout won’t be shocking anybody with high-frequency radiation from cell towers.
5G Will Replace 4G
No, 5G is not an upgrade or replacement to 4G technology. It is a whole new set of technologies, which will build on top of the existing 4G network and be available in many areas around the United States. This means even if 5G is available in your area, you can still use your 4G phone.
5G Will Affect Weather Forecasting
5G wireless networks may interfere with satellite data, which is used in weather forecasting. For instance, some scientists are worried that 5G waves will block satellites’ radar signals. Scientists have been investigating potential conflicts between 5G and weather forecasting, from which they found that the 24 GHz band (being used for 5G) is located close to the 22.235 GHz frequency — one of the frequencies necessary for accurate forecasting of weather changes.