City staff fielding 5G questions

Vernon City Hall is getting a lot of questions about fifth generation wireless technology (5G) being installed on existing antenna systems/telecommunication infrastructure in the community.

Rogers Communication started the install process in September across the Thompson-Okanagan region.

“We are getting calls about 5G due in part to a number of conspiracy theories,” Coun. Scott Anderson said. “I would like to know if the city has any authority in this area.”

There has been controversy surrounding 5G both on security and health questions.

In an administration report to council, it was determined that municipalities do not have any say in telecommunication installations.

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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is responsible for the vetting and approval of new technology. The installation or modification of any antenna including adding to or replacing an existing tower is exempt from public municipal consultation and approval.

City staff are directing all calls to the ISED Interior office.

ISED requires that all antenna systems, including 5G devices and small cells, must meet Canadian limits on the amount of Radio Frequency (RF) exposure, and comply with Health Canada Safety Code 6, which imposes strict limits on the radio frequency energy sent out by any antenna tower.

A report from Public Safety Canada made the following comment after their examination of 5G.

“The government will continue to work with telecommunications service providers and vendors to mitigate security risks in current and future networks as 5G technology is adopted by Canadians.”