The District of Squamish does not operate 5G hardware in town, and doesn’t plan to either, a senior official says.
Gary Buxton, general manage of community planning and infrastructure, said council or staff hadn’t approved any 5G technology.
“I can advise that the District does not currently, or plan to, operate 5G hardware, nor do we have any 5G technology, hardware or transmitters on any of our streetlights or buildings or facilities,” Buxton wrote in response to a citizen.
The operation of 5G technology and hardware is something that the likes of Telus, Rogers, Bell or Shaw would undertake, he said. These companies are rolling out 5G technology in other communities, but there is no indication they have started installing in Squamish.
“If done on private property, these industries are regulated by the Federal government, through either Industry Canada, Health Canada or the CRTC, and would not require District approvals,” he said.
5G is the 5th generation of wireless technology that enables more data and connectivity. According to Government of Canada, all 5G devices will need to meet the radio frequency requirements before they can be operated in Canada.
“Antenna systems operators using 5G technology will continue to have the same RF exposure compliance obligations. Compliance with RF exposure requirements will continue to be an ongoing obligation,” according to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Speculation about negative health effects of 5G abound, with some going so far as to suggest that the 5G network can help spread coronavirus.
Recently, some people who believed 5G network could help spread coronavirus set to fire nearly 20 cellphone towers in Europe.
