GSMA Condemns Attacks Against 5G Mobile Phone Masts In UK

Police and counter-terrorism authorities are investigating acts of arson against 5G mobile phone masts in the UK.  The global mobile operators trade group GSMA condemns these acts of violence designed to weaken its communications networks in a time of crisis.

The vision at the GSMA is to unlock the power of connectivity, so that people, industry and society thrive.  Everyone must unite in the global fight against COVID-19 and combat the fake news and violent actions linking 5G communications technology to the spread of the virus.  This disinformation campaign is inciting fear, aggression, and vandalism against the critical infrastructure and essential maintenance workers who are keeping our public services connected, as well as our economy running.

The GSMA calls on internet giants, content providers and social media platforms to accelerate their efforts to remove fake news linking 5G to the spread of COVID-19.  Full Fact, the UK’s independent fact-checking charity has confirmed that there is no link between 5G and COVID-19. GSMA also urges governments around the world to take swift action against disinformation, vandalism and threats against mobile network field engineers.

Last month, an independent international watchdog confirmed there is no risk of harm to people, including children, from exposure to radio frequencies from mobile networks, including 5G.  In its findings, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection reviewed 20 additional years of research and echoed previous reassurances from the World Health Organization.