Launch of "Germany talks about 5G" dialogue initiative

When will all of the gaps in coverage finally be closed, aren't mobile communications harmful to health, and why do we need 5G in the first place?

Expanding the mobile communications network is one of the key challenges when it comes to ensuring equality of living conditions in our country, as well as being a key factor for Germany as a centre of commerce and industry. At the same time, there are discussions among the general public and the media around issues such as data protection and the health effects of mobile communications.

Information campaign aims to help

One important step in the mobile communications strategy adopted in November 2019 is therefore an information campaign in relation to 5G and the expansion of the mobile communications network. This aims to help people understand the new generation of mobile communications and discover its potential, as well as tackling possible concerns at an early stage through open and transparent dialogue.

Virtual consultation with citizens

The initiative will be launched on 1 December 2020 with a virtual consultation with citizens, who will have the opportunity to put their questions about network expansion and 5G to representatives from the worlds of politics and science from 6:00 pm onwards. The panel will include Federal Ministers Andreas Scheuer and Svenja Schulze, Minister of State Dorothee Bär, the President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Dr Inge Paulini, and the deputy chair of the German Commission on Radiological Protection, Professor Achim Enders.

Seeking a dialogue with citizens

Federal Minister Andreas Scheuer says: "We're making great strides in the expansion of the mobile communications network. Providers are in the process of fulfilling their requirements, and we've set up a funding programme for the remaining gaps in coverage. However, we're also aware of some concerns – especially in relation to 5G. With 'Germany talks about 5G', we're therefore seeking a dialogue with the general public and establishing a shared factual basis. This will primarily take place virtually during the coronavirus pandemic – and then in person when such meetings are once again possible."

An opportunity to shape climate protection

Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze says: "5G will boost the capacity of networks and give rise to new applications for the networked world. We can utilise this potential in order to shape climate protection and thus to progress with the socio-ecological transition towards climate neutrality. In the Federal Government, we've resolved to see to it that all environmental standards are applied in full during the expansion of mobile communications and the rollout of 5G. In concrete terms, I take this to mean that widespread expansion cannot come at nature’s expense."

Digital infrastructure paves the way for new technologies

Dorothee Bär, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for Digitalisation, says: "There must be fast internet everywhere – not just in cities but also in rural areas. This obviously goes hand in hand with the expansion of 5G and fibre-optic networks. After all, reliable digital infrastructure gives us access to many of the technologies of the future."

President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Dr Inge Paulini

Limit values provide reliable protection

Dr Inge Paulini, President of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, says: "No one should be afraid of mobile phone radiation. The health effects of mobile communications have been thoroughly researched in numerous studies. We have limit values that reliably protect us – and, to this day, no health effects have been demonstrated below these limit values."

Information portal complete with online dialogue

The website www.deutschland-spricht-ueber-5G.de provides comprehensive information on 5G network expansion and the question of mobile phone radiation and health, as well as many other topics. All of the articles on the information portal were produced in collaboration with the participating department of the federal government. In addition, via its online dialogue functionality, the website provides an opportunity to engage in a public discussion and receive answers from experts.

Dialogue office responds to individual queries

The dialogue office of "Germany talks about 5G" also responds to individual queries by email or telephone or via social media and provides further information as required.

The inaugural event begins at 6:00 pm and can be accessed via the live stream on the website of the "Germany talks about 5G" dialogue initiative.