5G tower against blue sky

A 5G tower silhouetted against a blue sky: the infrastructure connecting Brazil to the fifth-generation mobile network.

About this subject

5G towers form the backbone of the fifth generation of mobile networks. Unlike 4G antennas operating below 2.5 GHz, 5G towers use millimeter-wave bands (24-39 GHz and sub-6 GHz) to deliver download speeds up to 10 Gbps, latency under 1 millisecond, and the ability to connect up to one million devices per square kilometer. This technology is critical for applications such as autonomous vehicles, remote robotic surgery, and smart cities.

In Brazil, 5G deployment began officially in July 2021, with frequency auctions conducted by Anatel. The first phase prioritized capitals and the Federal District, aiming to cover all cities with over 30,000 inhabitants by 2029. Each 5G tower requires a higher density of antennas than previous generations because millimeter waves have shorter range and are easily blocked by obstacles like buildings and trees. To compensate, operators install small cells on lampposts, traffic lights, and building facades, complementing traditional towers.

The installation of 5G towers sparks debates about public health and visual impact. The World Health Organization states that, to date, there is no evidence of adverse health effects from exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields within recommended limits. However, the proliferation of antennas has raised aesthetic concerns in urban areas, leading some cities to regulate tower camouflaging as artificial trees or architectural structures. Technically, 5G also requires investments in fiber optics and edge computing to process data locally and reduce latency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 5G tower?

It is a structure housing antennas and transmission equipment for the fifth-generation mobile network. It operates at higher frequencies than previous generations, enabling faster speeds and lower latency.

How many 5G towers are there in Brazil?

As of 2023, Brazil had over 10,000 activated 5G antennas, a number that grows rapidly as coverage expands to new cities.

Are 5G towers harmful to health?

According to the WHO and regulatory agencies, there is no scientific evidence that exposure to electromagnetic fields from 5G towers within established limits causes health damage.