What is 5G Network?
Similar to existing networks, 5G networks are digital cellular networks divided into small coverage areas using radio waves to transmit information across connected devices. While historical networks have used low-frequency transmission bands ranging from 2.5 to 5.0 GHz, 5G networks can transmit information over higher frequency bands ranging from 30 to 300 GHz. This enables the transmission of large “packets” of data over higher speeds without clogging networks and causes networks to have a lower “latency” (the delay during communication over a network) compared with traditional networks. Specifically, while traditional networks can reach speeds of up to 15 megabytes per second, 5G networks can reach speeds greater than 10 gigabytes per second. Similarly, while latency for traditional networks is typically 50 milliseconds, 5G networks communicate information with a latency of 1–3 milliseconds.
Emerging technologies are vital to healthcare transformation 5G will enhance many existing use cases while creating new ones unfulfilled by current technologies, such as remotely performed patient examinations and even operations. What’s also certain is that critical healthcare services require reliable connections. Very low end-to-end latency and ultra-reliable communications will prove essential to the provision of instant communication regarding patients’ conditions – through HD images and access to medical records – and provide accurate feeling and tactile interaction in the case of remote surgical procedures.
Benefits:
- Quickly transmitting large imaging files
MRIs and other image machines are typically very large files. Adding a high-speed 5G network to existing architectures can help quickly and reliably transport huge data files of medical imagery, which can improve both access to care and the quality of care. - Expanding telemedicine
Telemedicine requires a network that can support real-time high-quality video, which often means wired networks. With 5G, healthcare systems can enable mobile networks to handle telemedicine appointments, which can greatly increase the reach of the program. - Improving AR, VR and spatial computing
While augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and spatial computing are already being used in healthcare on a limited basis, 5G may eventually further enhance a doctor’s ability to deliver innovative, less invasive treatments. Among 5G’s many ultimate potential applications, some of the most exciting involves its role in simulating complex medical scenarios and enabling alternative treatments for the critically ill. - Reliable, real-time remote monitoring
With 5G technology, which has lower latency and higher capacity, healthcare systems can offer remote monitoring for more patients. Providers can then be confident that they will receive the data they need in real-time and can provide the care their patients need and expect. - Artificial intelligence
By moving to 5G networks, healthcare organizations can use the AI tools they need to provide the best care possible – from wherever they are in the hospital or clinic.
Negative Impacts:
- Radiofrequency EMFs (RF-EMFs) include all wavelengths from 30 kilohertz to 300 GHz. For the general public, exposure to RF-EMFs is mostly from handheld devices, such as cell phones and tablets, as well as from cell phone base stations, medical applications, and TV antennas. The most well-established biological effect of RF-EMFs is heating. High doses of RF-EMFs can lead to a rise in the temperature of the exposed tissues, leading to burns and other damage.
- Carcinogenic nature of Radiofrequency- The scientists looked at one cohort study and five case-control studies in humans, each of which was designed to investigate whether there is a link between cell phone use and glioma, a cancer of the Central Nervous System (CNS). A causal interpretation between mobile phone RF-EMF exposure and glioma is possible. Smaller studies supported a similar conclusion for acoustic neuroma, but the evidence was not convincing for other types of cancer.
- Numerous recent scientific publications have shown that RF-EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans. Damage goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects on both plant and animal life.
- More than 10,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrate harm to human health from RF radiation. Effects include: Alteration of heart rhythm, Altered gene expression, Altered metabolism, Altered stem cell development, Cancers, Cardiovascular disease, Cognitive impairment, DNA damage, Impacts on general well-being, Increased free radicals, Learning and memory deficits, Impaired sperm function and quality, Miscarriage, Neurological damage, Obesity and diabetes and Oxidative stress. Effects in children include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and asthma.
- Damage is certainly not confined to human beings, as there is abundant evidence of harm to diverse plant- and wildlife and laboratory animals, including ants, Birds, Forests, Frogs, Fruit flies, Honey bees, Insects , Mammals, Mice, Plants Rats, Trees.
Worldwide Action to Halt 5G
Over 600 cities in Italy have passed resolutions to halt 5G, as have numerous cities throughout Europe, such as Trafford, United Kingdom; Lille, France; Ormidia, Cyprus; and Balchik, Bulgaria. The Pancyprian Medical Association and Cyprus National Committee on the Environment and Child Health sent Parliament their position paper, “The Risks to Public Health from the Use of the 5G Network.” Bermuda has halted 5G pending an investigation into health and safety and we recently testified to the regulatory authority along with several other experts.
Switzerland’s report on 5G health effects resulted in the Parliament’s refusal to loosen their radiation limits despite heavy industry lobbying efforts. The Netherlands issued a 5G report that recommended measuring radiation levels and also advised against using the 26 GHz frequency band for 5G “for as long as the potential health risks have not been investigated.”
In the United States, the New Hampshire Commission to Study the Environmental and Health effects of Evolving 5G Technology has released its final report with 15 recommendations to reduce public exposure to radiofrequency radiation, ensure setbacks so that cell antennas are at a distance from homes and schools, protect children by reducing wireless exposures and prioritizing safer wired connections, designate wireless free areas and create federal regulations for exposure that protect wildlife and the environment. In the United States, resolutions to halt 5G have been passed by Hawaii County, Farragut Tennessee, Coconut Creek Florida, and Easton Connecticut. US cities such as Los Altos, Petaluma, Mill Valley, and San Diego County California have adopted policies to restrict 5G small cells near homes.
Juhi Chawla’s Lawsuit related to 5G
Last month, Juhi Chawla filed a lawsuit related to setting up of 5G wireless network, contending that if 5G becomes reality then it would cause irreparable damages to both environment and every living kind. Because the radiations are going to be 10 to 100 times greater. She asked authorities to certify that 5G is safe for all. The Delhi Court dismissed the lawsuit and imposed a fine of 20 Lakh on the grounds that the plea was defective, an abuse of process of law and it was merely a stunt by the actress for gaining publicity.
Relation between 5G &
China-Based Company “Huawei”
The focus has been on the downside associated with some of the enablers of 5G – specifically, China’s Huawei Technologies, one of the world’s largest providers of telecommunications equipment, networking gear, and smartphones. Numerous nations allege that the company’s products may contain security holes that China’s government can use for spying purposes. In addition, some countries allege that Huawei steals intellectual property from foreign technology companies. Huawei denies it spies for China and has said the United States wants to frustrate its growth because no US company could offer the same range of technology at a competitive price.
The approach of following countries to Huawei:
United States: On June 30, the Federal Communications Commission formally designated Huawei and fellow Chinese company ZTE as posing threats to US national security, a declaration that bars US firms from tapping an $8.3 billion (roughly Rs. 62,600 crores) government fund to purchase equipment from the companies. In May, the Trump, the administration had moved to block shipments of semiconductors to Huawei from global chipmakers.
India: Following recent border clashes with its Chinese neighbour, India may advise local telecommunications operators to shun equipment made by Huawei ZTE Corporation.
Australia: Australia banned Huawei from supplying equipment for a 5G mobile network in 2018. Huawei had originally struck a deal to lay undersea cables to bring high-speed internet to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, but in 2018 Australia decided to fund and build the infrastructure itself.
New Zealand: New Zealand, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network together with Australia, the United States, Britain, and Canada, blocked service provider Spark from using Huawei 5G equipment in 2018. Spark said last November it would keep Huawei on its three-company list of preferred 5G equipment suppliers along with Finland’s Nokia and Samsung Electronics of South Korea.
Canada: Two of Canada’s largest telecoms firms teamed up in June with Sweden’s Ericsson and Nokia to build 5G networks, ditching Huawei for the project. Canada, which is reviewing the security implications of 5G networks, has yet to decide on allowing Huawei to provide equipment for them.
European Union: In January, the European Union said countries can either restrict or exclude high-risk 5G vendors from core parts of their telecom networks, a move targeting Huawei but falling short of a US call for a complete ban.
Germany: The German government is not expected to decide before September on rules on installing components in the future 5G mobile communications network. Deutsche Telekom, Huawei’s largest customer in Europe, has argued strongly against any blanket bans on individual foreign vendors.
France: The head of French cybersecurity agency ANSSI has ruled out a total ban on Huawei equipment for 5G networks in a newspaper interview, but said French telecoms companies were being encouraged to avoid switching to the Chinese company.
Italy: In early July 2020, Huawei defended its record as a private-sector infrastructure group following reports Italy was considering excluding it from building its planned 5G network over security concerns.
Singapore: Singapore’s biggest wireless network operators chose Nokia and Ericsson in June over Huawei to build the main 5G networks in the city-state.
Conclusion
We have identified the following emerging technologies as vital to healthcare transformation: 5G New Radio interface and access must extend beyond those of previous generations of mobile communication, with massive system capacity, extremely low latency, ultra-high reliability and availability, and very low device energy consumption. The energy consumption of cellular and wireless device networks and infrastructure as a whole will increase because more base stations are needed to cover a small area. It will also increase E-waste. The increased exposures of 5G are involuntary. We can turn off our phones, but we cannot turn off the antennas in the neighbourhood. The birds, bees, and trees also have no choice. Authorities should also consider this and take action accordingly.
