5G: Wallonia region aligns with Flemish radiation standards
The regional government of Wallonia has validated the deployment of 5G in the south of Belgium aligning with the radiation standards practiced in Flanders.
The five experts appointed in October 2021 by the southern regional government recommended the modification of the emission standard to establish a limit of 9.2 V/m - at 900 MHz - per operator as well as a cumulative limit of 18.4 V/m.
“Based on the recommendations of experts, the government has decided to allow the deployment of 5G, while taking into account the precautionary principle. We are delighted that the standard set in Wallonia is among the most protective in the world, both for the health and the environment", highlighted the regional Minister for Energy, Philippe Henry.
If Belgium remains at three mobile operators after the auction of the 2G, 3G and 5G frequency bands to take place in June, the maximum cumulative limit will be 15.9 v/m. If there are four, it will reach the limit of 18.4 v / m. Five mobile operators would cross the cumulative limit with 20.6 v/m.
A study over 10 years to monitor the effects on people and the environment will be taken as part of the recommendations. Besides, a task force will be set up with ministers and mobile telephone operators in order to improve investments in rural areas, including in optical fibre, infrastructures interoperability and decarbonization policy.
"The supervised deployment of 5G is a structural reform that will enable Wallonia to acquire the most modern and high-performance technologies. This is an essential reform to enable the Region to continue its economic development", said the Walloon Minister-President, Elio Di Rupo.
(VIV)
© BELGA PHOTO (Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) Health concerns about 5G technology radiation of antennas have triggered a protest outside the Swiss Parliament in Bern, on September 21, 2019.