The Swiss government is convinced that the new technology poses minimal health risks and is committed to the rapid erection of 7,500 5G antennae.
Some 42.5% of adults support this strategy, but 41.7% are against, suggests a survey of 1,023 people commissioned by price comparison website Comparis.
The divided nature of public opinion on this contentious subject is largely unchanged from a previous survey last year by the Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich.
The Comparis survey reveals the same split along gender lines as last year. Half of women surveyed were against the rollout (compared to a third of men) whilst 30% supported the network expansion (55% of men).
Significantly more people over the age of 55 support 5G than the age group 36 to 55. Respondents with a higher level of education tended to be more optimistic about the new technology.
Opponents of 5G have so far failed to convince the wider population to back people’s initiatives calling for a halt to network expansion. Two initiatives were abandoned last year having failed to garner enough signatures to force nationwide votes.
Telecoms companies are also using the courts to challenge moratoria on 5G antennae imposed by some Swiss cantons.
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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.
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