5G Networks Could Be Devastating for Weather Forecast Accuracy
Scientists brought the issue to Congress, warning members that less accurate weather forecasting could cost people their lives.
Many of the frequencies used for telecommunications are very close to the frequencies used by weather-observing satellites.
As network wireless carriers transition from 4G to 5G, experts believe it could interfere with the accuracy of weather forecasts.
Over the last few months, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) have had their eye on 5G networks and how it could affect data collection, reports CNET.
On Thursday, NOAA’s acting chief Neil Jacobs testified on Capitol Hill that the accuracy of weather forecasting could reduce by as much as 30% from the new wireless radios. He said that could mean residents would get at least two or three fewer days to prepare for a hurricane.
With less accurate predictions of major storms, lives could be lost, he warned.
“[It] ultimately comes down to this thing called out-of-band,” said Jonathan Behrens, a science policy analyst for the American Institute of Physics. “When someone’s communicating through their telecommunications, and it bleeds over, it might start to interfere. At least that’s what NASA fears with their weather data.”
In a press release from Senator Ron Wyden’s (D-Ore) office, they warned against the ongoing sale of wireless airwaves until a solution is found. Wyden, along with Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), “urged the Trump administration not to allow wireless companies to operate fifth generation (5G) communications on 24 GHz spectrum.”
Gigahertz, or GHz, is the unit of measurement of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation and is equivalent to one billion hertz (Hz), according to Forbes.
The problem lies in the fact that many of the frequencies used for telecommunications are very close to the frequencies used by weather-observing satellites.
One solution could be turning down the power emitted by 5G wireless radios, which could prevent some of the interference. Members of Congress have passed on scientists’ concerns to regulators charged with approving the deployment of 5G networks.
“Right now, all the agencies are just doing a big assessment,” Behrens said. “They’re trying to come to an agreement. We’re patiently waiting.”
Jacobs noted that he is optimistic that a solution will be found.
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About the Author
Katie Malafronte, Web Editor
Katie Malafronte is Campus Safety's Web Editor. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Writing & Rhetoric. Katie has been CS's Web Editor since 2018.
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