A much-awaited expert report on 5G has failed to come up with conclusive findings on the safety of the new communications technology, meaning the ball is now back in the court of the federal government and cantons.
Demonstrators have warned about the possible health risks of 5G technology.
Keystone
The experts failed to agree recommendations for 5G emission limits, instead presenting the government with five possible options. Their reportExternal link, submitted to the government on Thursday, recommends more information for the public and more research on the possible health risks of mobile phone technology.
Telecoms operators Salt, Sunrise and Swisscom, who were represented in the expert group, expressed satisfaction at the report, saying that “nothing prevents the roll-out of 5G from a health point of view”.
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5G tests Switzerland’s limits on cybersecurity
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As more governments mull the risks of working with foreign vendors of 5G networks, eyes are on Switzerland as one of the technology’s early adopters.
The expert group was set up in 2018 by former environment and communications minister Doris Leuthard, in the face of considerable public concern about the new technology.
It will now be up to the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETECExternal link) to decide how to proceed at federal level, and for cantons to decide whether or not to grant authorisations for new 5G installations.
Speaking to Swiss public broadcaster RTS, Geneva local government minister Antonio Hodgers expressed disappointment at the inconclusive nature of the report, saying Geneva would maintain its moratorium on 5G authorisations pending a “less technical and more political response from the federal government”. Other cantons that have introduce a moratorium are Vaud, Neuchâtel and Jura, all in western Switzerland.
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Swisscom forges ahead with 5G amid safety fears
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Telecoms operator Swisscom has gone live with its 5G fifth-generation mobile communications.
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US storm continues to sweep through Swiss stock market
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The Swiss stock market continued to trade in the red mid-afternoon on Monday, following in the wake of the world's stock markets, which fell heavily as a result of the trade war launched by Donald Trump.
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The referendum committee announced in Bern on Monday that it had collected more than 60,000 signatures against the e-ID project. The initials still need to be approved.
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The number of offences committed by minors in canton Ticino, southern Switzerland, rose by over 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Swiss trout and pike found with excessive PFAS levels
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Trout and pike in the lakes of western Switzerland contain excessive levels of the chemical group PFAS. This could jeopardise their saleability.
Swiss unions call for shorter days for construction workers
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Construction workers need shorter days, say Swiss trade unions. Demonstrations are planned in Zurich and Lausanne on May 17.
Rapeseed restrictions cause problems for Swiss farmers
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More and more Swiss farmers are abandoning rapeseed cultivation because they lack the means to protect the sensitive plants from pests.
Tariffs: Swiss index SMI down sharply in pre-market trading
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The trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump is causing a sell-off. According to experts' calculations, the leading Swiss SMI index is likely to fall by around 2%.
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.
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5G tests Switzerland’s limits on cybersecurity
This content was published on
As more governments mull the risks of working with foreign vendors of 5G networks, eyes are on Switzerland as one of the technology’s early adopters.
Opponents of 5G start campaign to force nationwide vote
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Anti-5G groups have announced their intention to launch a popular initiative to limit radiation from mobile communications technology.
5G: How a counter-movement took shape in Switzerland
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We speak with the founder of the Stop5G citizen group, which wants to put a halt to plans to introduce the technology in Switzerland.
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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.