In other words, these 5G waves have a difficult time in dense urban areas. Not only do 5G waves travel shorter distances, but they also have a harder time penetrating materials like wood, concrete, and trees. As the waves ripple out, the waves decrease in intensity. Like a rock dropped in a pond, the waves are the strongest right where the rock hits the water. With millimeter waves, there is high propagation loss. This means that high-band 5G waves are much shorter: Frequency (Hertz) High-band 5G is what most people are concerned about since it uses much faster frequencies, called millimeter waves.Īs electromagnetic frequencies increase, their wavelengths decrease. Nothing above 5 GHz has been used before in mass communication. The C-band spectrum is included in mid-band frequencies, which offer coverage and capacity. However, as of July 2022, the FCC hasn’t auctioned frequencies higher than 47 GHz bands (2). Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved up to 300 GHz frequencies. 5G is the first network to operate on high bands. Previous networks operated on frequencies up to 6 GHz. This video from IEEE Spectrum provides a nice overview of the 5G technology if you prefer video format: How the 5G Network is DifferentĥG is different from previous generations in several ways, including frequencies, data transfer, and bandwidth needs. This means 5G will hugely increase the millimeter wave and microwave radiation in the environment.Īdditionally, it will use new frequencies that have not been declared “safe” by independent research, not associated with the wireless networks.Īs mentioned, since 5G includes higher millimeter waves, they will not travel as easily through buildings, so 5G will deploy the use of millions of “small cell” antennas. It is touted as the technology that will provide higher and faster transmission capacity. Reduce Your Overall EMF Radiation ExposureĥG is the fifth generation of wireless technology.11 Ways to Protect Yourself From 5G Radiation.