5G company tries to allay health fears over Walsall mast plan
A telecoms company has moved to assure residents they have nothing to fear from 5G as it looks to install a new mast in an area of Walsall.
Cornerstone has submitted plans to Walsall Council for a 20m high column to be erected on a a patch of land on the corner of Greenside Way.
The company said it will allow 5G and faster and more reliable mobile coverage to brought to that part of the borough.
However, 5G and increased mobile communication has resulted in concerns about masts being sited close to residents bringing about risks to the health of people in those areas.
People have also linked the coronavirus outbreak to 5G with a number of masts across the West Midlands being attacked in arson attacks. These claims have been dismissed as conspiracy theories.
But, in the current proposal which is being considered by Walsall Council planners, Cornerstone has included a number of documents from different bodies.
This includes the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s paper "Allaying health concerns regarding 5G and exposure to radio waves".
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The firm has also included a letter from MP Matt Warman, parliamentary under secretary of state for digital and broadband, sent to all local authorities.
In it, Mr Warman said: “Public Health England has recently updated its advice in respect of 5G and states: ‘It is possible that there may be a small increase in overall exposure to radio waves when 5G is added to an existing network or in a new area.
"However, the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and, as such, there should be no consequences for public health.’
In the application, Cornerstone said: "5G is the new generation of wireless technology and will deliver the reliable and faster networks of the future.
"It will change how we understand wireless connectivity, moving from something we experience through personal devices to an integrated infrastructure of buildings, transport and utilities, providing enormous benefits for citizens, businesses and urban regions alike.
"Whether it be in the healthcare, transport, energy or retail sectors, 5G will reshape how we use these services and will bring substantial savings to households, businesses and councils."
