According to the Telecom groups, several people are spreading rumours about linking 5G with contagious COVID-19 pandemic. Leading to such misinformation, will hinder the growth and development of the country. Now, protests against the implementation of 5G wireless network have become the matter of national security. Director-General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) SP Kochhar stated that “individuals with dangerous intent and motive leading to derail India's progress by actively spreading rumours, by linking COVID and 5G". Multiple messages are trending on social media platforms mentioning COVID cases are rising due to the 5G spectrum trials.
Several towers and BTS (Base transceiver Station) were vandalised after widespread of rumours that 5G radiations would lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in people, which is prevalent due to COVID. However, the limit permitted to the India is one-tenth of the radiation, which will merely impact people. SP Kochhar also added “India's infrastructure of telecom majorly contributed towards the economy. It should not be halted or stopped due to such misinformation."
The Indian popular actress Juhi chawla also filed a lawsuit against the 5G network technology in High Court (HC) of Delhi, stating “the 5G radiations emitted is harmful to environment and people. It should not be implemented in India." Although, on June 4, 2021, Delhi HC dismissed the lawsuit challenging 5G wireless network technology. In addition, the HC said that “the plea filed was defective and filed only for the publicity." Therefore, she has been charged with cost of Rs 20 lakh by HC.
This misinformation arose after the statement of conspiracy theorist Barrie Trower in UK. He gave a statement, "for rising number of COVID cases globally, 5G trials should be blame. The radiations weaken the immune system of the people." He further stated that “all the dangers are being hidden by the telecommunication industry." This statement was brought into light by the celebrities and social media influencers by sharing the conspiracy theory actively. Thus, leading in delay and rescheduling the auction of spectrum globally.
The 5G was officially finalized in June 2018 by 3GPP. 5G will offer faster speed, instant communication, and enhance network establishment globally. The mid-band spectrum of 5G has gained the acceptance globally, as it provides balance between capacity and coverage. Additionally, it is similar to the 4G spectrum, and only difference lies in the enhanced speed and improved connectivity.
In India, COAI represents three major telecom service providers including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio among others. Department of Telecommunication (DOT) has approved these Telcos to start field trials in collaboration with their technology vendors. Various big giants of technology service providers are focusing on to collaborate with telecom service provider catering to extend hold industry 4.0.