5G technology is being talked about everywhere as the next big step in how we connect to the internet. It promises super-fast speeds and the ability to do things online that were never possible before. But, while everyone is excited about the good things 5G could bring, there’s also been a lot of speculation about how 5G can be dangerous to humans, and as such, you must be wondering about what the negatives of 5G technology might be.
Stick through to the end of this article as we walk through the evolution of cellular technology and the possible hazards that might come with 5G.
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology, designed to significantly increase transmission speed, reduce latency, and improve the flexibility of wireless services. It offers a theoretical peak speed of up to 20 Gbps, much higher than the 1 Gbps peak speed of 4G. 5G was launched in 2019 by T-Mobile and Verizon, and ever since, several top companies have developed their own 5G technology.
How does 5G work?
5G works by utilising higher radio frequencies, such as the 5G New Radio (5G NR) air interface, to transmit data at much faster rates and with lower latency than previous generations. It also incorporates technologies like massive MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) and network slicing to increase network capacity and customise services for different use cases. 5G networks are virtualized and software-driven, exploiting cloud technologies to simplify mobility and enable seamless open roaming capabilities between cellular and Wi-Fi access. Additionally, 5G technology uses cell sites to transmit data through radio waves, connecting to networks with wireless technology or wired connections
Evolution of mobile network from 1G
1G
1G (the first generation of cellular network) technology was introduced in the 1980s. It marked the beginning of wireless telephone technology and was based on analog wireless communication. It used various network standards, including Advanced Mobile Phone Service (AMPS), and several types of phones were developed to work with these standards.1G had a speed of about 2.4 kbps. The first commercial cellular network was launched in Japan. 1G suffered from drawbacks such as low sound quality, shoddy coverage, lack of roaming support, and no encryption for security, This led to birth of 2G.
2G
2G, short for second-generation cellular network, was a significant advancement over its predecessor, 1G. It was commercially launched on the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) standard in Finland in 1991. Unlike the analog signals used in 1G, 2G networks employed digital radio signals, enabling features such as SMS, multimedia messaging, and digitally encrypted voice conversations.
Some key benefits of 2G over 1G included digital encryption of data and voice signals, clearer voice quality with less static, support for more concurrent users, more efficient use of the spectrum, support for roaming, and the ability to send text and multimedia messages. With the application of General packet radio service (GPRS), 2G offered a maximum speed of about 40 kbps. 2G suffered a set of drawbacks: a limited data transfer rate, inability to handle complex data, and weak encryption. These drawbacks lead to the development of 3G.
3G
3G, or the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology, is an upgrade over 2G, offering faster data transfer and better voice quality.The first commercial 3G networks were introduced in mid-2001. It provides high-speed bandwidth to handheld devices, enabling faster data transfer and diverse applications. In theory, basic 3G allows download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, and it can provide a peak speed of up to 14 Mbps. It uses a network of phone towers to pass signals, ensuring a stable and relatively fast connection over long distances. As mind-blowing as 3G was, it also suffered a few drawbacks: it had high power consumption, and it was gradually declining with newer technologies getting better and better.
4G
4G, or fourth-generation wireless technology, is a broadband mobile communication standard that supersedes 3G. It offers significantly faster data transfer speeds, with users getting speeds of up to 100 Mbps, compared to the peak speed of 14 Mbps in 3G. 4G enables high-definition video and audio streaming, wireless broadband, and more efficient internet connectivity without a fixed, wired connection. It works via an antenna that transmits over radio frequencies, and its transmission and receiving capabilities are powered by technologies like MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing).
4G also provides reduced latency, enhanced network capacity, and improved signal quality through advanced antenna techniques. It is an all-IP (internet protocol)-based standard for both voice and data, and it has become the standard for mobile communication worldwide, offering faster and more efficient data transfer rates, making it suitable for a diverse range of applications. It is the basis of 5G technology and is commonly used within mobile networks for mobile phones, smartphones, mobile broadband routers, and computer modems.
What are the positives (pros) of using 5G?
5G offers several benefits over 4G.
- higher speeds: With speeds approaching 15-20 GB/s, 5G allows for faster access to files and data
lower latency: The lower latency of 5G allows for remote actions to be performed in real-time, which can be useful in controlling machinery, logistics, and possibly surgical operations
2. Increased bandwidth: bandwidth is often confused with internet speed, though they both mean different things. Bandwidth means the quantity of data (information) that can be transferred across a connection in a predetermined period of time. 5G is way faster than 4G; it is capable of delivering 20 Gbps (gigabits per second) at peak data rates and 100 Mbps (gigabits per second) at average data rates.
3. A higher number of connected devices: 5G can support a far greater number of connected devices than 4G. Ever experienced slow internet connection when in a stadium/arena packed with people using their mobile phones? This is because 4G can only connect 4000 devices per square meter, while 5G can connect about 1 million devices per square metre.
4. Less power consumption: 5G uses less power than 4G since it can quickly transition to low-energy operation when cellular radios are not in use.
5. Lower latency: The term “latency” describes the interval of time that passes between a user’s action on a network or web application and their response. The latency of 4G enabled users to play online games smoothly and watch live streams. The lower latency of 5G is going to enable machine-to-machine interactions, or IOT.
What are the negatives of 5G technology (cons)?
The disadvantages of using 5G include:
Difficulty in 5G setup: There’s a need for more transmission antennas for uniform network coverage than with 4G.
Cyber attacks: There is high potential for software vulnerabilities, which are one of the main gateways for cybercriminals.
The 5G network is dangerous for airplanes. 5G C-bands can interfere with the radio altimeter on a plane, and as such, on July 1, 2023, new laws that limit aeroplanes’ ability to land in low-visibility areas were implemented. Airlines must either modernise their fleet or limit the number of unequipped aircraft they operate.
5G security concerns
1. Data collection
There are a lot of rumours about internet service providers (ISPs) collecting and sharing data about their users and with the new technology that 5G provides, a vast amount of user’s information can be collected over a short period of time. 5G is capable of delivering about 20 gigabits per second and that means a lot of the user’s information can be collected in the twinkle of an eye, which may compromise their privacy.
2. Cyber attacks
5G fast browsing experience doesn’t only bring positive results; it also comes with negatives too, With lower latency ( the time difference between the user’s action on a web application and the response), cyber criminals can easily get access to one’s device. Let’s paint a clearer picture, Ever heard a phishing email link? These links are used by cyber criminals to get access to people’s information with just a click, With 4G, if you mistakenly open such links, you can quickly close the tab and get yourself out of trouble but with 5G’s low latency of about 5 milliseconds, one might not be quick enough and it’ll be much easier for cyber criminals to get access to user’s information.
3. IoT
Most IoT devices are made without prioritising cybersecurity. The evolution of cellular technology to 5G means more potential for IoT devices; however, 5G is still relatively new and most IoT devices technology are not up to the 5G standards, which can open up a lot of loopholes in current IoT device’s security. Popular IoT devices like door locks, security cameras, speakers and so on can easily be exploited.
4. Bandwidth
As explained earlier, bandwidth simply refers to the quantity of data/information that can be transferred across a network, 5G increased bandwidth comes with negatives as well, and it all comes down to cyberattacks. Increased bandwidth means a huge amount of data can be stolen from people within a very short period of time.
5. Unknown threats
We are still in the early stages of 5G and there’s a lot of potential danger that is yet to be uncovered.
How to prevent cyberattacks and stay safe with 5G
- Use VPN
- Keep all your devices updated with security patches
- Use antivirus
- Don’t open random links from suspicious emails
- Use encryption protocols like Advanced Encryption (AES)
Is 5G dangerous to Humans?
Does 5G really cause cancer?
Cancer can be caused by different factors. Factors like hormones, alcohol, tobacco, occupational exposure and radiation. A lot of people seem to believe that 5G can cause cancer because of the radiation (also known as electromagnetic waves) that 5G devices emit; however, this is however not the case. Though it is true that high-energy wavelengths like UV rays from the sun, x-rays and gamma-rays can cause cancer, 5G on the other hand, cannot cause cancer. 5G and the previous cellular technology uses radio waves; this type of radiation is of very low energy and as such, it cannot cause any harm.
Despite the belief that 5G cannot cause cancer,.
Conclusion
According to the world health Organization“Despite extensive research, there is currently no evidence linking exposure to wireless technologies to any negative health effects”.
FAQs
Is 5G safe for our health?
There are concerns about the potential health effects of 5G due to increased exposure to radio frequency (RF) radiation. However, current research suggests that 5G radiation levels are within safe limits.
Will 5G be expensive for consumers?
Upgrading to 5G devices and plans could be costly for many individuals, particularly in the early stages of adoption.
How will 5G impact battery life?
5G connectivity can drain battery life faster compared to older networks, potentially requiring more frequent charging.
Does 5G pose security risks?
The increased complexity of 5G networks could create more vulnerabilities to hacking and cyberattacks, raising concerns about data security and privacy.
