DoT says no link between 5G technology and spread of COVID-19

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) yesterday dismissed the link between 5G Technology and the spread of COVID-19. The statement came after DoT noticed several misleading messages being circulated on social media platforms claiming that the second wave of COVID-19 was caused by the testing of 5G mobile towers.

DoT clarified that these messages are false and absolutely not correct. The public has been urged to not be misguided by the false information and rumours spread in this matter. The claims linking 5G technology and spread of coronarvirus and false with no scientific basis.

DoT further clarified that the testing of the 5G network had not started anywhere in the country hence the claim that 5G trials or testing of network are causing coronarvirus in India are completely false.

“Mobile towers emit non-ionizing Radio frequencies having very minuscule power and are incapable of causing any kind of damage to living cells including human beings. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has prescribed norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (i.e. Base Station Emissions) which are 10 times more stringent than the safe limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by WHO,” said DoT in a press statement.

DoT further stated that it had a well-structured process so that the TSPs strictly adhere to the prescribed norms. Any citizen having any apphrension about any mobile tower emitting radio waves beyond the safe limit prescribed by DoT can make a request on Tarang Sanchar Portal for EMF testing.

“To allay the fear of general public regarding health effects of EMF emission from mobile tower, DoT has been taking several steps to generate awareness among the public about EMF radiation such as Nation-wide Awareness Programme, distribution of pamphlets/ information brochure on various topics related to EMF, publishing detailed information on EMF related issues on the website of DoT, advertisements in newspapers, launch of “Tarang Sanchar” portal etc.

The field units of DoT have also been organizing public awareness events so that more and more people are made aware about the scientific facts on health effects of EMF emissions from mobile towers,” added DoT in its press statement.