Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Swiss cantons lack clout to ban 5G mobile network

Workers on an antenna
Critics warn that the the imminent arrival of 5G poses health risks to the population. © Keystone / Peter Klaunzer

Swiss cantons do not have the legal authority to unilaterally impose moratoriums on the installation of the 5G (fifth generation) mobile communications network, the Federal Office of Communications (Ofcom) has stated.

The cantons of Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel and Vaud are reported to have declared or to be considering a moratorium on 5G antennas. The issue is also reportedly on the agenda in Bern, St Gallen and Schwyz.

But an OfcomExternal link spokesperson told the SonntagsZeitung newspaper on Sunday that the federal authorities alone are responsible for determining the health risks to the public. “There is therefore no option for cantonal or communal regulations to protect people from mobile phone system radiation. The enactment of such regulations would be contrary to the law.”

A lawyer told the newspaper that local authorities only have powers to prevent the erection of individual masts if they fall foul of planning regulations.

The Swiss government sold 5G licences to mobile phone providers for a total of CHF380 million ($373 million). Last month, state-owned telecoms company Swisscom went live with its 5G network. Swisscom CEO Urs Schaeppi has criticised the proposed moratoriums as being in violation of federal law.

More
Mobile phones display download rates at a Swisscom media conference on the 5G network in Zurich on Wednesday, June 28, 2017

More

Telecommunications: 5G is coming to Switzerland

This content was published on Following a successful pilot project, Swiss telecom group Swisscom is ready to deploy fifth generation wireless systems at selected sites this year.

Read more: Telecommunications: 5G is coming to Switzerland
​​​​​​​

News

Boulevard Carl-Vogt in Geneva.

More

Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials

This content was published on The city of Geneva has presented an action plan regarding a series of controversial local statues and monuments of historical figures linked to racism, colonialism or slavery.

Read more: Geneva decides not to remove controversial memorials
a doctor retrieves an egg with help from an ultrasound scan and a needle inserted into a woman who is laying on her back with legs held open. nurses assist in the background.

More

Swiss are open to assisted reproduction

This content was published on A majority of Swiss citizens have open attitudes towards various infertility treatments, including even egg donation, which is currently prohibited.

Read more: Swiss are open to assisted reproduction

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR