Information about 5G in Voorschoten

Following 4G, 5G (fifth generation) is the next generation of mobile communication technology. A key difference from 4G is that 5G enables faster data transmission. It also has much shorter response times and more reliable connections. 5G is essential for meeting the growing demand for mobile data and enables a wide range of new applications.

What happened and what will happen

The European Union has designated three frequency bands (700 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and 26 GHz) for 5G in order to provide additional capacity for mobile communications. These frequency bands offer additional capacity, allowing 5G to transmit and receive more data.

On July 21, 2020, the Dutch government made three different frequencies available through an auction—including the 700 MHz band—to meet the growing demand for data. The higher frequencies specifically designated for 5G—3.5 GHz and 26 GHz—will be put into use at a later date. For the 3.5 GHz band, this will be in or after 2022. No date has yet been set for the 26 GHz band.

Mobile operators are upgrading existing antenna installations to prepare them for 5G. An up-to-date overview of the installations activated for 5G can be found inthe Antenna Registry at. In addition, they are assessing whether new installations need to be put in place. This is necessary when coverage is insufficient.

Where will any new 5G antennas be located?

Telecom providers install 5G antennas wherever necessary to ensure adequate network coverage. They generally do not need a permit for this, as the antennas are often less than 5 meters tall. The national government, municipalities, and mobile phone providers have reached agreements regarding the installation of antennas that do not require an environmental permit inthe Antenna Agreement. This agreement includes the following provisions, among others:

Every year, the municipality receives a deployment plan. This plan lists the existing antennas and the locations where providers intend to install new ones. The municipality has an advisory role and cannot prohibit the installation;
Guidelines regarding the appearance of antennas;
Agreements regarding tenant participation;
The limits for exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

It is up to the mobile operators and the owners of the sites where the antennas are installed to ensure effective communication with nearby residents. When an environmental permit is required, the municipality conducts a thorough review. Consultation with nearby residents is part of this process.

5G and Health

Residents are concerned about the potential radiation risks posed by 5G cell towers. As the municipality of Voorschoten, we take these concerns seriously. This is a specialized subject. The municipality does not have sufficient expertise in this area. As a municipality, we do not establish our own health policies in this regard. The municipality relies on national standards. Just like 2G, 3G, and 4G antennas, all 5G antennas must comply with international regulations for radiofrequency electromagnetic fields.

The RIVM report“Exploration of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from 5G Systems” shows that the electromagnetic fields used by 5Gremain below thelimits recommended by the EU. The Telecom Agency monitors the exposure limits byconducting random checks at antennas throughoutthe Netherlands.

Recent research by the Health Councilof the Netherlands (5G advisory report and documents:) indicates that no harmful effects have been found so far, but that further research is needed on certain aspects. We must await the results of this research. The Health Council sees no reason to halt or restrict the use of the low-frequency bands (up to 3.5 GHz) for 5G, as they are currently in use or being deployed.

What happened and what will happen

Where will any new 5G antennas be located?

5G and Health

More Information and Questions