What is 5G? Simply explained

After LTE or 4G, was put into operation for the first time in 2010, the successor 5G is now the benchmark. We give you all the information you need about the new mobile network and show you where you can already use it.

What is the difference between 4G and 5G?

In terms of performance, the new technology represents a further milestone in the history of mobile networks. The key data of the new standard exceed those of 4G by far.

• 5G delivers a data rate up to 100 times higher than the 4G network. This corresponds to a value of up to 10,000 MBit/s and is thus finally suitable as a replacement for a cable connection.
• Added to this is a very low latency of less than one millisecond. This is the delay that occurs during communication between you and the mobile mast.
• 5G can also address many more devices at once. More than 100 billion devices worldwide are said to be able to communicate simultaneously. Missed New Year's Eve calls will then be a thing of the past.
• Lower power consumption is also very important for end users. This can be up to 90% lower than in the 4G network. Smartphones can therefore be used longer.

Will 5G be dangerous?

With the expansion of the network, new studies have now been commissioned to investigate the effects of 5G radiation on humans.

• The well-known mobile phone radiation of the LTE system is electromagnetic radiation, which also occurs, for example, in a microwave, but in an attenuated form.
• The decisive factor for mobile phone radiation is the so-called SAR value.
• The SAR value is given in two measurements for each mobile phone. The first measurement is taken at the ear during a phone call and the second when the phone is worn on the body. The SAR value can be found in the manual of the mobile phone or in a database of the Federal Office. A device with a SAR value below 0.6 is low-radiation, at most it should not exceed the number 2.
• Imagine the process in wavelengths. These stand for a certain frequency. The smaller the waves are, the more energy they require and thus reach deeper into your body. So if 5G radiation oscillates at a higher frequency, the latter happens to a lesser degree.
• Many mobile phone providers want to build more mobile phone sites. This requires more transmitter masts, as such a frequency has a smaller range. This means that the transmitters will be built closer to residential areas.
• In addition, old sources of radiation such as 2G, 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc. continue to operate alongside the modern 5G network.
• All in all different studies come to different results, but mobile phone radiation is still too "new" to be able to identify the effects on health in the long term and make a qualified statement.
• But there are tricks to protect yourself at least a little against mobile phone radiation.

How to avoid permanent radiation exposure

The actual effect of 5G radiation on the human body is controversial. Since we are also exposed to a large amount of other radiation sources every day, it is sensible to protect ourselves from them:

• Longer telephone calls should only be made with a well-functioning telephone connection. If this cannot be guaranteed, your device will emit more radiation as it tries to maintain contact.
• Switch off all electrical sources in your bedroom overnight. Your smartphone, TV and WLAN also deserve a break. In addition, use a battery alarm clock instead of your mobile phone.
• You should also give up your smartphone for a few hours. If this is hardly possible for you, keep it away from your body. Don't carry it in hands all the time, but in a carry bag or backpack instead.
• Install connection sockets, for example for Wi-Fi or your electricity meter, in the basement or another storage room. Such systems require strong connections and therefore emit more radiation.
• Only use the electrical appliances you actually need and dispose of others. The freer your household is from such radiation sources, the healthier you live.
• Last but not the least use the loudspeaker-function of your smartphone. This prevents you from getting radiation directly at your ear or face.