Melita Limited has begun a 5G trial across a limited number of locations using frequencies which have already been used for other wireless services.
The readings from the trial show that current emissions levels measured at street level with a total of 282 sites, all except one are less than 1% of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guideline levels for the general public.
The upgrade to 5G allows for speed of up to 1GB/s and the connection of up to 10 times more concurrent devices when compared to 4G.
This information was presented during a press conference held at the Melita Data Centre in Madliena, where the Chief Executive Officer of Melita Limited Harald Roesch explained that Melita, along with the Swedish multinational Ericsson, began rolling out its 5G-ready network in 2018, achieving nationwide coverage by the end of 2019. The network currently delivers Melita’s 4.5G services, is now being tested to confirm its ability to safety and effectively deliver 5G in Malta.
“Whilst we wish to offer our customers the best possible network and service, we also want to ensure that this is done safely. Whilst there has been a lot of unfound scaremongering about 5G, that does not mean we should not proceed with caution and ensure that emissions are well within the globally accepted levels set by the WHO-endorsed organisation, ICNIRP,” explained Roesch.
Melita began the trial at its data centre in Madliena, and plants to set up further trails in Valletta, St Julian’s and Sliema.
The company measured radiation energy given out by radio waves from all the telecom operators, TV broadcasters and other sources at 282 locations. From the trials, emission levels across the country clocked in at less than one hundredth of what the ICNIRP considers safe in all but one of the sites tested.
“The measurements were taken at street level close to antenna site, revealed that the current total of emission levels across the country are extremely low. When we switched on 5G in our initial test site at Madliena, the increase in emissions was negligible, less than 0.1%, meaning total emissions remain below one hundredth of the ICNIRP guidelines levels,” he explained.
He pointed out that the initial findings match with data gathered in similar tests carried out in the United Kingdom by the national regulator, Ofcom.
Simon Montanaro, Melita’s chief technology officer, explained that 5G opens up endless opportunities which will benefit everyone. “As with any new technology, however, it is important to properly test the effectiveness of the network and equipment.
He explained that the trials are being closely monitored by the Malta Communications Authority (MCA), who will also be measuring emissions using their own equipment.
The results of Melita’s emissions testing can be found on : https://www.melita.com/mobile/5g-trial-results/