During the pandemic, apart from learning to bake bread and make TikTok, many of us realized the importance of having a strong internet connection to be able to work, study, and entertain ourselves. On a more serious note, 5G networks have transformed into the norm for all working professionals that require the connection to communicate with their colleagues across the world and need the bandwidth for virtual meetings.
Unsurprisingly, the market for 5G infrastructure is expanded to around $4.2 billion in 2021, with more than 2/3rds of companies utilizing 5G networks for their internet needs. Here are the cities with the most 5G networks in the world:
- Seoul, South Korea – 83 networks available
- Los Angeles, USA – 40 networks available
- London, UK – 35 networks available
- Miami, USA – 14 networks available
- Las Vegas, USA – 13 networks available
- Hong Kong, Hong Kong – 8 networks available
- Dubai, UAE – 8 networks available
- New York City, USA – 5 networks available
- Shenzhen, China – 3 networks available
- Shanghai, China – 3 networks available
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia– 3 networks available
- Guangzhou, China – 3 networks available
- Rome, Italy – 2 networks available
- Barcelona, Spain – 1 network available
- Bangkok, Thailand – 1 network available
Although it’s estimated that 5G networks are 100 times faster and more effective than 4G networks, concerns about their effect on our health and well-being continues to grow. A common problem with many devices and new networks we roll out is there’s not an abundant amount of data available proving any direct correlation or relationship for that matter. But what we do know is that given its limited reach potential, 5G networks will require cell towers every 100-200 meters – resulting in people being exposed to mm wave radiation. And as we’ve previously mentioned, such proximity becomes more harmful with prolonged exposure. These new networks also use new technologies such as phased arrays, active antennas with the ability to form beams and more, meaning there will be newer challenges to measuring or even monitoring radiation. And without measuring current radiation (a crucial first step to regulating it), there’s little hope that governments will correctly implement guidelines to protect those most vulnerable.
Although we lack research in understanding the effects of 4G too due to governments not being able to fund the research, there is some concrete data on the effects of 2G & 3G – including tumor development risk in the head and neck. For now, it’s vital to take into account that 5G is the new tech that will accompany 4G for the time being and require the installation of 800,000 or more new cell towers only in the USA. In the meantime, we should take immediate precautions to protect our health and safety.
