Most of Swiss far from militant when it comes to 5G
A survey on the ongoing rollout of 5G in Switzerland found the population fairly evenly divided on the issue, with those holding extreme positions in the minority.
Some 13% of the 7,000 respondents polled were “strongly opposed” to 5G, while 11% were “strongly in favour”, wrote the Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich on Tuesday.
In the middle of these extreme camps, 27% were “rather in favour” and 24% “rather against”. A quarter of respondents were undecided.
The representative survey by ETHZ academics did find some divergence among different groups of respondents: for example, men saw “significantly” more personal benefits to 5G than women, and were more likely to support the continued rollout of the 5G network. Women on the other hand were “more likely to think that the federal government and cantons are not doing enough to protect people from radiation”.
On radiation: while 59% of respondents believed they were exposed to little or no radiation from devices like mobile phones, tablets and computers, a good two-thirds believed that the population is not adequately protected against radiation from mobile antennas.
And although the current rollout of 5G is happening within frequency limits already used for existing networks, a majority of respondents (57%) believed that 5G poses greater health risks than 3G or 4G, the survey found.
More
More
Initiative aims to overcome Swiss public’s 5G technology misconceptions
This content was published on
Supporters of 5G mobile technology have launched a special platform to engage in discussions with the general public about their concerns.
Respondents from French-speaking Switzerland saw significantly more downsides, for themselves and for the country, than respondents from German-speaking and Italian-speaking Switzerland.
5G technology, which is already being rolled out in Switzerland, has been the source of skepticism and opposition over the past few years, with various groups worried about effects on health, privacy, and the environment.
In the face of public pressure, some Swiss cantons, notably in the French-speaking part of the country, have introduced moratoriums on the construction of new antennae. Opponents have also launched citizen campaigns. Two people’s initiatives are currently in the works; they have until the middle of this year to collect the 100,000 signatures needed to force a public vote.
More
More
5G: from popular anger to people’s initiatives
This content was published on
As authorities, telecoms companies, and experts struggle to communicate the dangers and merits of 5G, Swiss voters might end up having the last word – even if the issue might seem more technical than politcal.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
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.
Read more
More
Government takes next step in 5G plans
This content was published on
The environment ministry has finalised guidelines for the regulation of wave limits from new, “adaptive” 5G antennae in Switzerland.
5G could have positive impact on climate, researchers say
This content was published on
A study by Swiss researchers claims that 5G technologies can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to greater energy efficiency.
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.