**Concerns over COVID, Climate Change Push Japan to Rethink 5G Rollout**
**Tokyo** – Japan is reconsidering its plans for a nationwide 5G rollout amid growing concerns about the technology’s potential health and environmental impacts..
The country had initially planned to launch commercial 5G services in 2020, but the timeline has been repeatedly pushed back due to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing safety concerns..
**COVID-19 and 5G**
One of the primary concerns surrounding 5G is its potential to exacerbate the spread of COVID-19. Some studies have suggested that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by 5G networks could potentially weaken the human immune system, making individuals more susceptible to the virus..
While these studies have not been conclusively proven, they have raised enough alarm to prompt Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) to commission further research on the matter. The MIC has also issued guidelines to telecommunications companies, recommending that they take steps to mitigate any potential health risks associated with 5G deployment..
**Climate Change and 5G**
In addition to health concerns, Japan is also grappling with the environmental impact of 5G. The increased energy consumption required to power 5G networks is a major concern, especially in light of the country’s ambitious carbon reduction goals..
The MIC has estimated that 5G networks could consume up to 10 times more energy than existing 4G networks. This would represent a significant increase in Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions, which are already among the highest in the developed world..
**Rethinking the Rollout**
Faced with these concerns, Japan is now rethinking its approach to 5G deployment. The government has announced plans to conduct a series of pilot projects in select areas to assess the technology’s safety and environmental impact before making a final decision on a nationwide rollout..
The pilot projects will focus on evaluating the potential health effects of 5G radiation, as well as the energy consumption of different network configurations. The results of these projects are expected to inform the government’s decision-making process in the coming months..
**Industry Response**
The telecommunications industry has expressed mixed reactions to the government’s decision to delay the 5G rollout. Some companies have expressed frustration, arguing that the delay will hinder Japan’s technological competitiveness..
However, others have welcomed the move, acknowledging the need to address the concerns surrounding 5G before a full-scale deployment. They have also pledged to cooperate with the government’s pilot projects and to take steps to mitigate any potential health or environmental risks..
**Conclusion**
Japan’s decision to rethink its 5G rollout is a reflection of the growing concerns about the technology’s potential health and environmental impacts. While 5G has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives, it is important to proceed with caution and to ensure that these concerns are adequately addressed before a nationwide deployment..
The pilot projects that are currently underway will provide valuable data that will help Japan make an informed decision about the future of 5G in the country. In the meantime, it is important to remain vigilant about the potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them where possible..
