The expansion of 5G is starting to polarise. Opponents claim that the frequencies are harmful to health and responsible for stress and cancer. Also, they claim they can trigger the death of bees. Fears have grown to such a level that a moratorium on the expansion of 5G has been obtained in the cantons of Geneva, Vaud and Jura. Meanwhile, the Federal Offices for the Environment (Bafu) and Communications (Bakom) have asked the cantonal and local parliaments to stop their proceedings. They justify this by asserting that radiation protection is an issue for national government and that the moratoria exceed the authority of the municipalities and cantons. Proponents argue that frequency bands already in use for 3G and 4G will be used for the new 5G network. 

Find more detailed coverage on this topic and the opposing views on the new technology in our summer print issues.

Based on AvS/Blanca Burri
Translated by Justine Hewson