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5G
The next generation (5G) of mobile communications is available since 2020. Self-driving cars, voice-activated assistants, and intelligent refrigerators are just a few examples of how the higher data transmission rates of the new mobile phone technology could be used. However, there are also some concerns. This includes, in particular, the question of whether the expansion of 5G also entails a health risk. According to the current state of scientific knowledge, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) does not anticipate negative health effects but does see some open questions.
In principle two aspects must be considered:
- the technical requirements (e.g. mobile base stations and terminal equipment)
- the increasing data transfer volumes
Many technical aspects of 5G are comparable to those of previous mobile radio standards: For example, 5G will initially be used in frequency bands
- in which mobile radio is already operated today (2 GHz band)
- that are allocated for comparable uses (3,6 GHz band)
- that are adjacent to such frequency bands (700 MHz band).
Many findings from earlier generations of mobile radio can be transferred to 5G
Findings from studies in which the possible health effects of electromagnetic fields from mobile radio were investigated can largely be transferred to 5G. For example, the German Mobile Telecommunication Research Programme (DMF) was designed in such a way that its findings would also have significance for future technical developments. The frequency range was deliberately defined broadly. In some studies, it went beyond the ranges currently used for mobile communications. Within the valid limit values for mobile base stations and in compliance with the product safety requirements for mobile phones, there is therefore no confirmed evidence of a damaging effect of mobile radio.
Radio network cells
In a further expansion step, higher frequency bands in the milli- or centimetre-wave range are also planned for 5G (e.g. in the 26 GHz, 40 GHz band or at up to 86 GHz). It can be assumed that no health effects are to be expected in these areas below the existing limit values. However, because only a few results are available for this area, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection still sees a need for research in this area. The absorption of high-frequency electromagnetic fields takes place in the milli- or centimetre-wave range very close to the body surface. There are thus possible effects on the skin and eyes; direct effects on internal organs are not to be expected.
FunctionalityShow / Hide
As with 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile communications, the areas to be served by 5G mobile communication services will be divided into cells by the network operators. In the cells, stationary radio transmitters (base stations) will ensure the supply of mobile communication services. The base stations transmit and receive high-frequency electromagnetic waves with their antennas. These are used for wireless communication with the user's terminal equipment. The size of mobile communication cells can vary from less than one hundred meters to several kilometres. Radio cells of different network operators can overlap spatially just as radio cells of an operator can if different frequencies are used.
Transmission power of base stations and terminalsShow / Hide
The maximum transmission power of 5G base stations will depend on the size of the mobile com-munication cells to be supplied, among other things. Stations intended for indoor supply in buildings, for example, are expected to have maximum transmission powers of well below one watt. Base stations, which cover individual streets and are installed on building walls or street lamps, manage with just a few watts. Systems that cover larger areas are installed on house roofs or on specially erected, free-standing mobile masts. Individual systems of this type will use several tens of watts of transmitting power. At such locations, several base stations of one or several operators can be installed together. As a result, the total installed maximum transmission power at such a location can rise to well above 100 watts.
Transmission bandwidthShow / Hide
Compared to 4G and older wireless standards, 5G will enable larger and more flexible channel bandwidths (up to 400 MHz; by carrier aggregation beyond that). This enables higher data transmission rates and shorter transmission and exposure times with the same amount of data to be transmitted.
Modulation techniqueShow / Hide
5G will use modulation techniques such as QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, and 256QAM, which are also used in other radio applications. Terminal devices will also be able to use pi/2-BPSK modulation. BPSK is also used for WLAN, for example.
Antenna technologyShow / Hide
The MIMO (multiple input multiple output) technology also used in other radio standards (WLAN, LTE) will be further developed into Massive MIMO in 5G. Massive MIMO antennas for 5G are composed of many individual antenna elements, which can also be controlled individually. This makes it possible to make better use of multipath propagation and to deliver radiation power more precisely (beam forming). This reduces interference, improves the signal-to-noise ratio, and increases transmission capacity. The more targeted emission can lead to lower exposures because less power is emitted undirected into the environment. During reception, the technology can help to ensure that lower field strengths are sufficient for a connection. This is offset by an overall increase in data transmission volumes and the associated changes in emission levels. Massive MIMO antennas that support beam forming will be used primarily in the millimetre wavelength range.
Open scientific questions – the Federal Office for Radiation Protection therefore advises precautionary measures
Open questions also arise from the fact that more transmitters are needed as data transmission volumes increase. This is not a 5G-specific problem – even today, "small cells" are used in places with high user density. However, with the introduction of 5G, this will continue to increase. Although these "small cells" will have a lower transmitting power, they will also be operated closer to places where people spend a considerable amount of time. It is not yet possible to estimate exactly how this will affect the extent to which the population is exposed to radiation. However, it can be assumed that the range of possible exposures will increase.
The Federal Office for Radiation Protection follows the plans for the introduction of 5G and awards research projects on exposure and possible effects of new frequency ranges. It will also evaluate this technology from the point of view of radiation protection and initiate suitable measures if action is required.
Regardless of 5G, there are still scientific uncertainties regarding possible long-term effects of intensive mobile phone use. However, the technology is still too young for a final assessment because cancer, for example, develops over periods of 20–30 years. There are also no conclusive answers regarding the effects on children. Consumers should therefore consider the SAR value when choosing a mobile device: the lower the value, the lower the radiation level of the device. Although the SAR values of the available mobile phone models have decreased over time, the following still applies: ensure that your smart phone is at an adequate distance from the body and use hands-free kits and headsets when making calls. The SAR values of various devices can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.
State of 2024.02.09
