Five things you need to know about 5G technology in SA
While the South African government and network operators are quick to jump on the 5G bandwagon, a lot of research still has be conducted on the long-term impact of this technology on our health and the environment.
1. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans for 5G technology in South Africa
In July 2019, President Ramaphosa spoke about the government’s plan to upgrade South Africa from 4G to 5G technology with the help of Chinese Telecoms giant, Huawei. Speaking via hologram at the inaugural 4th Industrial Revolution SA Digital Economy Summit, President Ramaphosa said at the time: “Because we want to go to 5G, and only this company called Huawei can lead us to 5G, and the United States are now punishing them.
“We have to say we support a company which are going to take our country and indeed the world to better technologies, and that is 5G.”
A day later, at the 2019 Durban July, Vodacom showcased Africa’s first live 5G data session on a commercially ready 5G mobile phone and network using Nokia network equipment.
A live 3D holographic image of President Cyril Ramaphosa transmitted from the Gallagher Convention Centre to the Rustenburg Civic Centre in the North West during the inaugural 4th Industrial Revolution SA – Digital Economy Summit. #4IRSA #4IR #DigitalEconomySummit pic.twitter.com/HMRCDYJ2Z3
2. Expect government delays on the 5G roll-out across the country
Despite plans to upgrade South Africa to 5G in 2020, there’s been a number of delays in the roll-out of the service. It is understood that 5G would be hugely beneficial to South Africa because it provides faster connectivity and speed over a wireless network. This would, in turn, mean that data costs would be lower and that 5G technology would allow for the dream of smart cities to come true. The impact could affect many industries including education and business. Vodacom and MTN are currently unable to launch 5G services until more spectrum is licensed to them by the communications regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA). This means their roll-out has been stalled by government processes. Experts believe that 5G should happen in spite of government and not because of government.
3. Rain has launched the first 5G service in Johannesburg and Tshwane
Data-only provider, Rain, has deployed its 5G wireless data network in certain parts of Johannesburg and Tshwane. It has leveraged its 4G data networking infrastructure to build the 5G network in its regulated 3 600MHz spectrum band. They announced that their commercial 5G offering is available to selected existing customers. This means for R1 000 per month, Rain customers can enjoy high speeds, fast connectivity and unlimited internet. The speed is roughly 10 times faster than the current 4G network. They did not need government intervention to achieve this and they plan to expand to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
4. Why is 5G technology so important?
All wireless communications utilise radio frequencies. 5G has higher radio frequencies than 4G and this means it provides a faster way to access information. It also allows other technologies to thrive such as driverless cars, smart appliances etc. It could open doors for a burgeoning economy like SA to transition into the future seamlessly. There are, however, serious dangers of using this technology.
5. Some people are worried about the long-term health effects of 5G technology
Over 180 scientists and doctors in almost 40 countries have warned the world about 5G health risks. They have asked for a halt in the 5G roll-out until the potential hazards for human health and the environment have been fully investigated by scientists independent from industry. Before 2G, 3G, and 4G, radio frequencies were benign. Scientist say that when wireless “G” technology was initiated, we began exposing the global public to frequencies akin to microwaves at 1 billion cycles per second.
While 4G wavelengths travel along the surface of the skin, 5G’s millimetre waves are automatically absorbed by the skin and cause the skin’s temperature to rise. They understand that electromagnetic radiation leaking through the doors of our microwave ovens are carcinogenic, and therefore, can cause cancer. 5G waves are believed to be mutagenic, meaning they change the DNA structure of living beings. It’s like leaving your microwave door open for the rest of your life. They claim that the cell towers being built for 5G emit radio frequency radiation, and radiation causes cancer so these towers are like “building a global microwave oven”.
While the South African government and network operators are quick to jump on the 5G bandwagon, a lot of research still has be conducted on the long-term impact of this technology on our health and the environment.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
