On 5G, PHE’s view is that ‘the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and, as such, there should be no consequences for public health’. It also has a duty to advise the Government on any health effects that may be caused by EMF emissions. In the UK, Public Health England (PHE) leads on health matters related to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, or radio waves. So, it needs to be managed to prevent services interfering and causing disruption to people and businesses.
#5G TECHNOLOGY MOBILE PHONES TV#
For example, mobile companies use different parts of the spectrum to TV companies. Certain bands of spectrum are also used for different purposes.
Only a limited amount of spectrum is available, so it needs to be managed carefully. Mobile phones use spectrum to connect to a local mast so people can make calls and access the internet. But any device that communicates wirelessly needs spectrum – such as televisions, car key fobs, baby monitors, wireless microphones and satellites. We have also worked with the UK Government to produce a guide to 5G (PDF, 604.2 KB), which local authorities and other bodies can use when managing enquiries they receive. These airwaves are licensed to mobile companies, but aren’t being used by them. We’re helping smaller businesses and start-ups by giving them access to the airwaves they need to set up their own local 5G networks. We have released airwaves needed for 5G products to work, and have helped companies to test 5G services, to help get innovative new services off the ground. We’re working with the Government and industry to help the UK become a world leader in 5G. The connectivity offered by 5G also allows existing applications to be carried out more quickly and dependably What is Ofcom’s role in 5G? One mobile network is currently trialling ‘smart ambulances’ equipped with 5G technology, which will explore how will explore how patients could be treated in an emergency by connecting paramedics with hospital staff. For example, by enabling technology that allows medical students to practise surgery in a connected, virtual reality environment that reflects a real-life experience – even enabling them to ‘feel’ the surgery they are training to deliver. It could also bring major changes to healthcare. Transport networks, local authorities and other public bodies could use it to improve public services like parking, traffic management and street lighting. This helps to save resources and boost efficiency.ĥG can also enable manufacturers to use smart machinery, providing and reacting to real-time data to improve efficiency. Machines scour the field using a video sensor, and apply fertilisers and pesticides where they’re needed. It is also being used to connect video systems that allow pharmacists to remotely check whether patients are taking their medication.ĥG is also being used in farming – with one example being autonomous farming machinery. So far it has helped to keep patients and their families connected via virtual reality, as well as enabling biomonitors to detect whether patients are dehydrated. The connectivity and capacity offered by 5G is opening up the potential for new, innovative services.ĥG is already being used and tested across a number of sectors, benefiting people and businesses.įor example, one local council has installed 5G nodes on lamp posts to create a network aimed at helping social care patients. This means gamers will see an end to the slight delays that can occur, when games can take time to reflect what they’re doing on their controller.īut the biggest differences go far beyond improving the way we use existing technology like smartphones or games consoles.
The reduction in latency (the time between instructing a wireless device to perform an action and that action being completed) means 5G is also more responsive. 5G also offers greater capacity, allowing thousands of devices in a small area to be connected at the same time. What difference does 5G make?įor starters, 5G is much faster than previous generations of wireless technology. Technology firms are also rolling out 5G-ready devices. It follows previous generations of mobile technology such as 3G, which led to the launch of smartphones, and 4G, which enabled faster browsing, allowing us to do things like watching videos on the move.Īll four major UK mobile networks have launched 5G services. 5G is the new generation of wireless technology.