Initiative aims to overcome Swiss public’s 5G technology misconceptions
Supporters of 5G mobile technology in Switzerland have launched a new website to engage in discussions with the general public about any technical, scientific and health concerns.
Around 45 figures from Swiss society, science, business and politics, as well as 19 associations, have joined forces to launch the “CHANCE5G” online platform on Friday. The initiative is financed by the Swiss Telecommunications Association (asut) and its members, which include telecom firms Sunrise, Swisscom, Cellnex, as well as Ericsson and Huawei
The organisers of the “CHANCE5G” platform claim that the development of 5G is being held back, both politically and within society, due to false conclusions and a lack of knowledge about the technology. It wants to improve dialogue around 5G and demonstrate the advantages of the technology via specific applications
In Switzerland, telecoms operators are already rolling out the new high-speed mobile technology. Sunrise claims to have the largest network in Switzerland, with more than 300 municipalities and 80% of the population covered. Swisscom, for its part, announced in December 2019 that it would cover 90% of the population via 5G technology
5G resistance
However, there has been certain resistance to 5G, especially in some French-speaking regions.
In January, 2,000 people turned out across the country to protest against the spread of 5G. The protests were part of an international campaign called by Stop5Ginternational.orgExternal link, which wants people to “rise up against the threat of 5G wireless technology to public health, the environment, and to our privacy”. Similar demonstrations have taken place in some 30 countries.
According to the protesters, numerous scientists have warned of health, environmental, security and other risks attached to the introduction of 5G
The federal government has not yet issued guidelines on 5G and an expert report it commissioned last year proved inconclusive
In the face of public pressure, some western Swiss cantons such as Vaud, Geneva and Jura, have introduced a moratorium on the construction of new 5G antennae. Fribourg and Neuchâtel say the installation of 5G antennae is subject to the awarding of a building permit. Opponents of the technology are also pushing for a nationwide vote on the issue.
Popular Stories
More
Foreign affairs
Magnitsky case: How Switzerland failed to investigate Russian millions
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
Norway holds Swiss investments worth over CHF35 billion
This content was published on
The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund holds investments in Switzerland worth CHF 35.5 billion ($39 billion), says Norges Bank CEO Nicolai Tangen.
Flooding of Rhone River causes severe road and rail traffic disruptions
This content was published on
Due to flooding in canton Valais, southern Switzerland, the A9 motorway between Sierre and Sion is closed. Traffic was also severely disrupted on the Simplon railway line.
Two dead after landslide hits southern Switzerland
This content was published on
After a landslide hit the Maggia Valley in canton Ticino, rescuers from Swiss Air-Rescue recovered two bodies on Sunday. One person is still missing.
Swiss beat Italians 2-0 to reach Euro football quarter-finals
This content was published on
Switzerland beat defending champions Italy in Berlin on Saturday night, justifying their status as the tournament's "secret" favourites.
Switzerland must urgently improve electricity distribution, says new sector boss
This content was published on
Switzerland needs to develop its electricity transmission and distribution network, says the new president of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies, Martin Schwab.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss corona protests: conspiracy theories vs political rights
This content was published on
Switzerland is now well into phase two of its three-stage loosening of Covid-19 restrictions, but this hasn’t stopped citizen protests.
This content was published on
Last month, the government postponed publishing its recommendations to allow more time to conduct live simulation tests, particularly measuring the amount of radiation that antennae could produce. In the meantime, operators have already been issued with permits and have begun installing infrastructure which they cannot yet use. A lack of national or international regulatory clarity…
This content was published on
As authorities, telecoms companies, and experts struggle to communicate the dangers and merits of 5G, Swiss voters might end up having the last word – even if the issue might seem more technical than politcal.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.