Switzerland: Popular Initiative Launched Against 5G

Popular initiative launched against 5G

Telephony: The Chancellery has given the go-ahead for the federal initiative "For a healthy and energy-efficient mobile telephony".
ats/nxp / 24heures.ch, 15 October 2019 - translation

The federal initiative "For a healthy and energy-efficient
mobile telephony" is launched.  Image: archive/illustrative
photo/Keystone

The introduction of 5G mobile communication technology in Switzerland raises many concerns. Its opponents have launched a popular initiative limiting the expansion of the network. They have until 15 April 2021 to collect the necessary 100,000 signatures.

The text of the initiative calls for the limit values set by the Ordinance on Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation not to be raised, not even because of new measurement methods.

Mobile telephony and Internet services would be separated between outdoor and indoor space. Thus, the power of the transmitters would need to be lowered so that emissions do not enter a building. Inside, the data would be transmitted by fiber optic or coaxial cables, not by electromagnetic waves.




Reserved seats in transport

Other measures include equipping public transport with seats that prohibit the use of electronic devices. The premises of public buildings such as kindergartens, schools, hospitals or EMS should be equipped to avoid electromagnetic radiation.

Operators planning to install new antennas or increase the power of existing ones should obtain the written consent of local residents within a 400 metre radius. Electrosensitive people would have free access to counselling centres.

Network being extended

Despite numerous objections to 5G, operators have begun to deploy their network in order to provide almost complete coverage of Switzerland. However, several French-speaking cantons have taken precautionary measures.

Geneva, Vaud and the Jura have declared a moratorium pending the conclusions of a report by the Federal Office for the Environment on the issue. At the beginning of June, Fribourg decided to make the installation of antennas subject to the granting of a building permit.

Neuchâtel wants to apply the precautionary principle, while the Valais Grand Council has refused to introduce a moratorium. (ats/nxp)

Original article in French:
https://www.24heures.ch/suisse/initiative-populaire-lancee-5g/story/10612769