Winning the Race to 5G and the Next Era of Technology Innovation in the United States.
Original hearing announcement here.
(I was in the room that day. I can be seen at the very end of the video at the link above. I am seen walking towards Roger Wicker, right after he adjourned the meeting)
Invited Witnesses:
- Mr. Steve Berry, President and CEO, Competitive Carriers Association
- Mr. Shailen Bhatt, President and CEO, Intelligent Transportation Society of America
- Mr. Brad Gillen, Executive Vice President, CTIA
- Mr. Michael Wessel, Commissioner, U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission
- Ms. Kim Zentz, Chief Executive Officer, Urbanova
Many bioeffects studies of pulsed, data-modulated, Radio-frequency Electromagnetic Microwave Radiation (RF-EMR) have been funded by the Military and Wireless industry for over eighty years.
As you can see, below, the invited Telecom agents, Brad Gillen and Steve Berry were not forthcoming to Congress on Feb 6, 2019 re: biological effects from pulsed, data-modulated, Radio-frequency Electromagnetic Microwave Radiation (RF-EMR) exposures.
Feb 6, 2019: Set. Richard Blumenthal Grills Wireless Industry at Senate Commerce Committee Hearing
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT): "Are there any health implications, public safety implications to those additional [cell] sites which are likely to be located close to homes , schools, workplaces and closer and closer to the ground. Correct?
Brad Gillen Executive Vice President, CTIA: "Correct, Senator. Yes."
Blumenthal: "How much money has the industry committed to supporting additional independent research — I stress independent research — Is that independent research on-going? Has any been completed? Where can consumers look for it? We are talking about research on the biological effects of this new [densified infrastructure and] technology?"
Gillen: "There are no industry-backed studies to my knowledge right now."
Blumenthal: "So essentially, the answer to my questions — how much money? — ZERO.
Gillen: "I can certainly follow up with you, Senator. To my knowledge there are no active studies being backed by industry today."
Blumenthal: "Anybody else know of industry commitments to back research, fund it, support it to ascertain, scientifically, the health effects.
Steve Berry, President and CEO, Competitive Carriers Association: "Senator, I am not aware, either, but I do know that with small cells, especially, you are going to have lower power levels and, of course, from a carrier perspective, you are going to want to be able to manage interference so that that interference is the lowest interference possible, I would think that some of that information could be utilized in looking at the health consequences, but no I am not aware of any . . ."
Blumenthal: So there is really is really no research on-going. "We’re kind of flying blind here. So far as health and safety is concerned. Thank you, Mr. Chairman."
There is no such thing as a bioeffects study that proves safety, as the toxicological "hurdle" is to show an adverse effect. Safety is a "negative", i.e., something that does NOT happen. One cannot prove a negative.
If no bioeffect is found (as is the case in some studies) it is due to seeking an effect that does not occur (i.e., looking in the wrong place), or designing a study badly, or dictating to the authors that they must state as conclusions something other than what they observed (which happens all the time). The editor of a journal also forces scientists to reword things — often to their very opposite. There’s a great example of this from 1995, when cow melatonin levels were definitely, clearly affected bny RF-EMR exposures as anyone can see from the chart or the stats, but the journal editor forced the researchers to entitle the article "No Effect Seen…"
In conclusion, there exists an enormous amount of scientific study on the bio-effects caused by RF-EMR exposures. The industry is very aware and not at all ignorant of these adverse bio-effects. The CEOs, Trade Associations et al. are fully liable for deploying what they KNOW to constitute a defective product which constitutes weaponry in our neighborhoods: 24/7 surveillance and crowd control.
This Blumenthal exchange with the CTIA on Feb 6, 2019 = the cigarette testimonies of old.
Blumenthal criticizes the FCC & FDA for inadequate answers on outstanding public health questions
Wireless carriers concede they are not aware of any independent scientific studies on safety of 5G technologies
[WASHINGTON, DC]— During today’s Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing on the future of 5G wireless technology and their impact on the American people and economy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) raised concerns with the lack of any scientific research and data on the technology’s potential health risks.
At the end of the exchange, Blumenthal concluded, “So there really is no research ongoing. We’re kind of flying blind here, as far as health and safety is concerned.”
In November 2018, the National Toxicology Program released the final results of the longest and most expensive study to date on cellphones and cancer. Those studies found “some evidence” of a link to cancer. The study only on the bio-effects associated with 2G and 3G pulsed, data-modulated, Radio-frequency Electromagnetic Microwave Radiation (RF-EMR) exposures. The latest densifed 4G/5G wireless technology purports to rely on the deployment of many more new antennas and transmitters that are clustered lower to the ground and closer to homes and schools. The FCC has thus far failed to adequately explain how they have determined the bio-effects from deploying densfied 4G/5G in close proximity to homes, schools and workplaces.
Yet, the CEO of Verizon admits close proximity to homes, schools and workplaces is unnecessary.
May 23, 2018 — The Reach of Verizon 28 GHz and 39 GHz Millimeter Waves
Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon:
"When [Verizon] went out in these 11 [5G test] markets, we tested for well over a year, so we could see every part of foliage and every storm that went through. We have now busted the myth that [5G frequencies] have to be line-of-sight — they do not. We busted the myth that foliage will shut [5G] down . . . that does not happen. And the 200 feet from a home? We are now designing the network for over 2,000 feet from transmitter to receiver, which has a huge impact on our capital need going forward. Those myths have disappeared."
At a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Hearing Feb 6, 2019, Connecticut Senator Blumenthal finally got the answer to a question that he and Congresswoman Eshoo directed to Federal Communications Commissioner Carr in a letter December 3, 2018. They asked, “We respectfully request you provide to our offices the 5G safety determination from FCC and relevant health agencies that you referred to during the field hearing.” Although Blumenthal and Eshoo did receive a letter from the FCC Dec 17, 2018, it had no mention of 5G safety testing,
Flying Blind on Health and Safety
Later, at the Feb 6, 2019 Senate Commerce Committee meeting, “Winning the Race to 5G and the Next Era of Technology Innovation in the United States”, Senator Blumenthal brought up the question of scientific evidence of the safety of densified 4G/5G infrastructure being deployed lower and lower to the ground and in close proximity to homes, schools and workplaces.
Blumenthal stated, “I believe that Americans deserve to know what the health effects are. Not to prejudge what scientific studies may show. They deserve also a commitment to do the research on outstanding questions….How much money has the industry committed to support independent research?…has any been completed… on the biological effects of this new technology?”
The lengthy but enlightening full video of the Senate Commerce Committee meeting is here.
Industry Pushing 5G Next Generation Technology for Citizens and Military Operations
The Feb 6 Commerce Committee meeting was focused on “key steps to maintain U.S. global leadership in next-generation communications technology, spectrum needs to accelerate deployment, and new applications and services consumers can expect with 5G deployments.” The hearing also examined current efforts to modernize infrastructure siting policies and the security of 5G networks to grow the digital economy, described as a “trillion dollar opportunity”. It was mentioned that 5G with quantum computing and artificial intelligence is needed to unleash the national agenda including national defense. Ms Cantwell stated early in the meeting, this will “will reshape the economy of the future” and “change our modern warfare creating military advantages through integrated military operations.” She also expressed deep concern for cybersecurity issues with this technology.
Most Cell Towers Placed are “Small Cell” 4G Technology
Verizon claims to have the “largest small cell deployment” in the United States. In 2017 about 62% of cell towers were “small cell”. These cell towers operate using current 4G technology in what is described by industry as “low and tight” density (lower to the ground and closer together) and with anticipation of adding a 5G network in the future. Industry claims that “Small cells are needed to meet exploding consumer demand for data, drive innovation, create new jobs, and fuel new services and capabilities such as smart communities, connected cars, smart farming, and the Internet of Things.”
Cable Companies Introduce 10Gbps Speeds Without Wireless
While wireless carriers are hyping 5G as the “fourth industrial revolution” with fast streaming and downloads, cable companies have introduced their own fast network capability called 10G– for 10 gigabytes per second (10 Gbps)-compared to 1 Gbps currently. CableLabs chief Phil McKinney said , “There’s nothing new that has to be invented…Everything has been specified. Everything has been designed. The technical work has been done and proven.”
Additional Links
- Link to Senator Blumenthal Press Release Feb 7, 2019: At Senate Commerce Hearing, Blumenthal Raises Awareness of Densified 4G/5G Wireless Technology’s Negative Health Consequences
- Link to Full Senate Commerce Committee Hearing Feb 6, 2019 – Winning the Race to 5G and the Next Era of Technology Innovation in the United States.
- Link to Congresswomen Eshoo and Speier Introduce HR 530 to Block FCC Cell Tower Preemption.