by K.T. Weaver, SkyVision Solutions 

There has recently been a lot of hype surrounding the planned deployment of 5G wireless technologies in the United States and elsewhere.  5G is considered the next major phase of mobile telecommunications and is expected to be much faster than the currently deployed 3G and 4G communications networks [1].  More importantly, however, 5G is expected to extend far beyond people just communicating on their smartphones; it is planned to connect literally “everything” as part of the Internet of Things (IoT).

I have created a short video that highlights portions of a CTIA 5G Leadership Forum from February 2016 [2].  It is stated that:

“Everything” will be connected in real-time, with even your socks and bricks on a wall being connected to the Internet of Things (IoT).  The President and CEO of CTIA seems quite excited that a small chip can “tell you where you are and where you are going,” and “we’re going to put it in everything.”

A representative from IBM mentions that an agreement has been reached with Whirlpool to soon place wireless connections into every appliance it sells in order to have “the ability to reach into the home.”

Similar to the issues related to utility smart meters, my main concerns relate to the apparent disregard for people’s rights of privacy, the cyber threats, and the potential health consequences associated with exponential increases in exposure to radiofrequency radiation.  In addition, utility smart meters might someday be folded into this Internet of Things and the use of 5G where “everything” (including smart meters) is connected to all other things.

After reviewing the above video, do you see the irrational euphoria that some people have regarding how great it would be to have your socks connected to the Internet?  For what purpose?  Will sensors tell the whole world when your socks need cleaning?  I suppose we will all receive marketing promotions to buy new socks based upon how long we wear them.

It would seem the motivation by companies to connect “everything” to the Internet can only be for purposes of consumer control and company profits.  Similar to utility smart meters, industry and government (colluding together) only tout imaginary and irrational benefits with no discussion of the risks.  I recommend that consumers reject the costly transformation to wirelessly connect “everything.”

References

[1] 5G at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G

[2] CTIA 5G Leadership Forum Session One, February 9, 2016, full video available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRXS8do9y7k; also see: