Why are 5G masts so unpopular, and what are the alternatives?

The 5G mobile data network has been a recurring element in many of the conspiracy theories which have flourished during these cynical post-truth times.

Network masts have been blamed for causing cancer, distributing COVID and reducing resistance to viruses, killing birds and insects and increasing radiofrequency air pollution.

Depending on who you listen to, 5G masts are the centrepiece of a stealth weapons system, part of a state surveillance network, or used to map the insides of people’s bodies.

Allegations have even been made that 5G base stations can control our minds through vaccine-implanted microchips or be programmed to burn off the skin of targeted individuals.

Some of these theories are discussed in detail on the Dark Web, while others are fanned by the oxygen of publicity on the surface web – often by public figures.

We’ll allow you to draw your own conclusions on the plausibility of these theories, but it’s indisputable that the controversy surrounding 5G hasn’t helped the technology’s rollout.

Any planning applications for 5G masts tend to attract immediate and fierce opposition, with objectors citing anything from their height and appearance to unsubstantiated health risks.

Through delays caused by public hostility to mast construction, the UK’s rollout of 5G is being severely hampered, with network connection speeds far below those originally anticipated.

There is a pressing need to find alternative ways of distributing the 5G mobile data which promises to liberate us from dropped connections, blackspots and device timeouts.

Glazing over

As well as being at risk of damage by vigilantes, taller 5G masts may be susceptible to storm damage (especially in exposed regions), lightning strikes and power cuts.

Consequently, there was keen interest in last month’s announcement that Japanese researchers have pioneered transparent glass antennae which can be attached to windows.

Although this innovative technology only operates across the 5GHz band and below – negating the higher speeds offered by 6GHz frequencies – it’s discreet and ideally located.

Using windows as base stations (especially on the sides of taller buildings) could enable a dense network of high-speed low-range antennae to offer dependable urban 5G service.

Another potential breakthrough was unveiled a few weeks ago when Three UK began marketing a 5G outdoor hub, which is installed outside your home to boost connectivity.

This captures signals where they’re strongest before beaming them indoors, resolving the age-old problem of mobile data not being able to penetrate thick walls or reach basements.

Three’s external hub can download at up to 150Mbps. That’s faster than many full fibre broadband connections, never mind FTTC or ADSL services.

Why is 5G necessary?

The UK remains in the slow lane of global broadband rollout, ranking 34th in a recent international survey.

As extra bandwidth is opened up, 5G networks could complement or even replace slower domestic broadband connections with a high-speed always-on service.

Three’s Outdoor Home Broadband plan is a direct competitor to cabled broadband, costing £24 per month and working in parallel with an indoor WiFi router.

However, most people will experience the benefits of 5G networks when they’re outside the home.

A mobile broadband dongle or MiFi hub can be invaluable if you regularly travel, suffer periodic broadband outages, have an ADSL connection or will be moving house and need connectivity from day one.

As such, any technologies capable of expediting 5G’s rollout – while reducing the impact of local objections to infrastructure planning applications – should be warmly welcomed.