Rural residents must accept "trade off" for better connectivity, says expert
It comes with the government set to allow taller 5G masts, which some consider controversial
Last updated 20th May 2021
The government is set to allow taller, wider 5G masts to be built across rural areas, including in the South West.
Plans for a new law were announced last month that would mean masts could be up to 30 metres tall. The government says it would speed up the role out and improve connectivity.
They argue the country is currently “under-mast’d” and these new or higher masts allow mobile signal to reach over things like buildings, trees and improve the area covered.
Despite that though many people are opposed to the masts, either for aesthetic or health reasons, including that exposure to the masts could cause cancer.
We've spoken to the chief executive of Frequency Telecom about the issue, Gareth Limpenny.
"Ultimately, where there has been such a digital divide in these particular areas, if the people are looking to get broadband, in urban areas its easier to dig up a road and connect a thousand people, one hundred people, whatever the numbers are," he said.
"In rural areas there's so many more things that you need to go round, or over, or through.
"If people are wanting to be able to work from home more effectively in these areas, educate their children more effectively in these areas, then something is going to have to happen and I think an increase in the size of the mast is one of those options."
5G masts work by transmitting radio waves at a higher frequency than 4G, which allows more people to connect at faster speeds.
The higher frequency though also means the waves do not travel as far, meaning more transmitter masts are needed.
Regarding the health concerns, the World Health Organisation (WHO) along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classify all radio frequency radiation as possibly carcinogenic.
That means there is evidence to suggest exposure could cause cancer, but it is not conclusive.
For context, eating pickled vegetables and using talcum powder is classed in the same category, while drinking alcohol and eating processed meat is considered more dangerous.
Last year Glastonbury Town Council released a report calling for an inquiry into the health risks of 5G, but it was later called "farcical" for including the completely debunked theory that 5G can help spread coronavirus.
Meanwhile during the height of lockdown in 2020, 5G masts were set on fire in Derby, Liverpool and Birmingham over the false COVID claims.
"The masts may well spark some controversy," Limpenny continues.
"But I think as we've covered before, there is going to be a trade off somewhere.
"That's for that community and those areas to probably consult with their local authority."