5G is coming to the Netherlands: A mast on every street corner

According to a legislative proposal from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, the government is making way for the introduction of 5G transmissions masts and antennas. Municipalities will be obliged to cooperate with the installation of antennas in / on public buildings, lampposts and traffic lights.

Thousands of antennas needed

In the coming years, 5G-internet will be introduced in the Netherlands. However, in order to guarantee that this super speedy internet is available in busy areas, a lot more transmission masts and antennas are needed. The antennas, a.k.a. small cells, will be popping up all over the streets. They are even already being incorporated into street furnishings, like bus stops.

Currently, there are about 46.000 mobile antennas in the Netherlands, but it is likely that another 10.000 will be added to this number in the run-up to 2022- when 5G is expected to be rolled out on a large scale. The antennas are necessary, according to the government, in order to “offer trendsetting services to users”, like autonomous cars.

Are there health risks?

This spring, political party GroenLinks sounded the alarm on possible health risks which could be caused by the radiation from the new 5G antennas. GroenLinks wants the government to carry out extra research into these risks.

However, according to the State Secretary of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Medical Care that is not necessary, as several studies show no indication of health hazards. The agency Telekom, will, nonetheless, continue to monitor the radiation levels in public areas. This autumn, the government will publish a list of requirements for companies wanting to provide 5G services.