ANALYSIS & OPINION:BUSINESS CONTINUITY
as these key workers put themselves and their families at risk to ensure that the UK remains connected during the Covid-19 pandemic. Tey are the reason we can safely stay indoors and stream films, television shows and free exercise videos with our families. Without them, people would not enjoy strong enough internet connections to read/watch/listen to conspiracy theories, I mean, work from home.
Te missing link In all the in-depth research that has been undertaken on the subject – and there is a lot – no link has reportedly been found between 5G and Covid-19, or indeed any other illness. A report from the BBC News detailed responses from actual scientists on this, including Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, who believes the theory that 5G lowers the immune system ‘doesn't stand up to scrutiny.’ Likewise, Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol explained: ‘Viruses and electromagnetic waves that make mobile phones and internet connections work are different things. As different as chalk and cheese.’ Speaking at one of the UK's recent daily
government conferences on coronavirus, Stephen Powis, medical director of NHS England, also dismissed the claims as ‘the worst kind of fake news’, adding: ‘I'm absolutely outraged, absolutely disgusted, that people would be taking action against the very infrastructure that we need to respond to this health emergency.’ To try and counteract the spread of false
information, the UK’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has been working with social media
www.fibre-systems.com @fibresystemsmag
companies to ensure that people ‘follow expert medical advice and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.’ It is vital, said Dowden, ‘that this message hits home and that misinformation and disinformation which undermines it is knocked down quickly. We’re working with social media companies, and I’ll be pressing them for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours which could cost lives.’
In response In response to the recent levels of violence and vandalism, there have, as you may expect, been a number of industry spokespeople making their views known. Industry organisation representing mobile network operators worldwide, GSMA issued a statement from director general Mats Granryd. It said: ‘Te telecoms industry is working around the clock to keep vital health, education and emergency services online, businesses running, and friends and families connected. It is deplorable that critical communications infrastructure is being atacked based on outright mistruths. We urge everyone to trust health authorities and rest assured communications technology is safe. Tere is no link between 5G and Covid-19.’ UK trade association for mobile network
operators, Mobile UK, issued an open leter signed by its member companies EE, O2, Tree and Vodafone. It said: ‘Sadly, we have experienced cases of vandals seting fire to mobile masts, disrupting critical infrastructure and spreading false information suggesting a connection between 5G and the Covid-19 pandemic. Tere is no scientific evidence of any link between 5G and coronavirus. Fact. Stopping
this is critical to keeping your communities connected. ‘Not only are these claims baseless, they are
harmful for the people and businesses that rely on the continuity of our services. Tey have also led to the abuse of our engineers and, in some cases, prevented essential network maintenance taking place. Please help us to make this stop. If you witness abuse of our key workers please report it. If you see misinformation, please call it out. Your help will make a real difference. Tank you for your support as we work together to keep our nation connected.’
Now, it is not about my personal beliefs when
it comes to whether 5G has any kind of link to this horrible pandemic (spoiler, it doesn’t). What I will say is that the kinds of actions detailed above are almost certainly borne of fear. But if someone feels so frightened by this outbreak, and believes the 5G = Covid-19 theories, surely the best way to protect themselves is to stay at home where it is safe, both from the virus and all those naughty electromagnetic waves.
Tank you! What I will also say is that, thanks to the work of all the engineers, installers and other telecoms professionals out there on the front line, I am able to do my job at home, not lose any wages, and still catch up with my colleagues by video conference. If this is you, and you’re reading this, thank you so very much on behalf of myself and the Fibre Systems team! If there is anything we can do to make your job easier – even if it’s just a platorm to have your say, or offer advice to others – please let us know.n
Issue 27 n Spring 2020 n FiBRE SYSTEMS 27
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
