Editor,
Many now believe that the ever-growing, highly-advertised U.S. 5G development heralds many promises for our island. Most will thoughtlessly nod as redundant and over-powered antenna facilities begin to appear ever closer to homes, schools, critical areas, etc. Few will call for adequate official scrutiny about the actual need, thoughtful location or purpose. Industry promises are vague, like “Close the digital divide!” “Make more ‘smart’ stuff work faster!” “Self-driving cars! Smart homes! Fast downloads!” Most think “This must be good!” “Don’t we need to win a 5G race against China?”
“Let’s take a closer look,” says comedian Seth Myers. Start with tech innovators’ annual Consumer Electronics Show, or CES. January’s CES had only whispers about 5G while electronic gadgets of all other sorts were still displayed and admired. In previous years, 5G products and references were in most booths. Tech journal Verge recently noted: “the (5G) fantastic use cases we heard about years ago haven’t materialized.” The networks thought they had a golden goose with 5G, but so far, it’s just laying regular old eggs — expensively, at that. Now, network operators are looking high and low for every bit of profit they can drum up — including in our wallets!
In 2019-23, Verizon overspent billions gaining new 5G bands. Like others, they quietly admit that 5G streaming is not for popular connectivity but best for “in-house” customer bases (like hospitals, manufacturing, hospitality, etc.). As an illustration, the DOD just poured more more into Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to continue growth of its “standalone” 5G network.
“Closing the digital divide” for remote or low income users? N0! (“5G” options on your phones really just activate 4G with a little lipstick.) The old cheerleading still helps telecoms multiply redundant 5G equipment in local ecosystems, though. Moving close-in with private properties and critical areas, they declare “Growing 5G capacity trumps local sovereignty.”
What do we do to control this? A good telecommunications ordinance is the best start. Island County’s is currently dated, porous and weak. The upcoming mandated 2024-5 Comprehensive Plan revision can demand and outline factors for a stronger ordinance. I head up a group that is preparing now to agitate for and provide that improvement. Join us at CLEARWhidbey.org.
Mark Wahl
Langley
