ASHLAND, Ore. -- Telecommunication companies are beginning to roll out 5G, the next generation of wireless technology. They describe it as one of the fastest and most robust technologies in the world. It will also allow for quicker downloads. The Ashland group called Oregon for Safer Technology rallied against the roll out Wednesday saying 5G poses health risks. This rally was a part of the nationwide 5G Day of Action. The various groups claim there is evidence that proves long term exposure to wireless radiation is harmful. They want wireless companies to stop the 5G roll out until wireless radiation exposure has been proven to be safe. The group's founder, Kelly Marcotulli, said they want to block 5G in Ashland with an ordinance change.
"If we don't pre-empt what the FCC and the telecom industries want for us which is 5G then we've lost the battle,” said Marcotulli. “If we can set up legal means of preventing 5G from being brought into our little town than we've achieved our goal."
Ashland isn't the only city to hold a 5G Day of Action rally. People came together against the 5G roll outs across the nation Wednesday.
The wireless industry association CTIA responded to those protesters in a statement:
“The science shows that the organizer’s claims about the health effects of radiofrequency energy are false. Radiofrequency energy from wireless devices and networks, including 5G, has not been shown to cause health problems, according to the consensus of the international scientific community.”
The group plans to continue to protest against 5G in Ashland. It will give a presentation to the city council on Monday, May 20th.
