Information about 5G in Voorschoten

Following 4G, 5G (fifth generation) is the next technological generation for mobile communication. An important difference from 4G is that 5G enables faster data transfer. The response time is also much shorter and connections are more reliable. 5G is necessary to accommodate the increasing demand for mobile data and enables a wide range of new applications.

What has 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 extra space for mobile communication. These frequency bands offer additional capacity, allowing 5G to send and receive more data.

On July 21, 2020, the Dutch Telecommunications Authority ( Rijksoverheid ) 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 service 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 adapting existing antenna installations to make them ready for 5G. The current overview of installations activated for 5G can be found in the Antenna Register. In addition, they are assessing whether new installations need to be placed. This is the case if there is insufficient coverage.

Where any new 5G antennas will be placed

Telecom providers install 5G antennas wherever necessary to ensure adequate network coverage. They generally do not need an environmental permit ( licence ) for this, because the antennas are often smaller than 5 metre. Regarding the installation of antennas that do not require an environmental permit, Rijksoverheid, municipalities, and mobile phone providers have reached agreements inthe Antenna Covenant. This covenant includes the following agreements, among others:

Each year, the municipality receives a placement plan. This contains the existing antennas and the locations where providers want to place new antennas. The municipality has an advisory role and cannot prohibit placement;
Agreements 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 take Health 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 potential radiation hazards from 5G transmission masts. As the municipality of Voorschoten, we take these concerns seriously. This is specialized subject matter. The municipality lacks sufficient knowledge in this area. As a municipality, we do not formulate our own Health policy in this domain. The municipality relies on national standards. Like 2G, 3G and 4G antennas, all 5G antennas must comply with international regulations for radio frequency 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 supervision compliance with exposure limits byconducting random checks on antennas inthe Netherlands.

Recent research by the Health Council (5G advice and Health Council documents) indicates that no harmful effects have been found for now, but that follow-up research is still needed on certain aspects. The results of this must be awaited. The Health Council sees no reason to stop or restrict the low frequency bands (up to 3.5 GHz) for 5G as they are currently in use or being introduced.

What has happened and what will happen

Where any new 5G antennas will be placed

5G and Health

More information and questions