Next-generation mobile networks won't interfere with forecasting in New Zealand, the national weather research agency NIWA now says.
There were reports earlier this week 5G, rolling out later this year, would operate at frequencies that would interfere with satellites trying to track what's happening in the atmosphere.
"When the satellite looks down it's looking for water vapour, and it might pick up 5G instead, so there's interference," NIWA climate scientist Nava Fedaeff told Newshub.
If forecasters can't predict storms properly, that could put lives at risk. But NIWA says those concerns were based on World Meteorological Organization reports that 5G networks would operate at frequencies around 24GHz to 28GHz - close to water vapour sensors' 23.8GHz.
"However, we understand that the planned 5G network announced by Vodafone uses lower frequencies of 3.5GHz and will not affect weather satellite technology in New Zealand," said Jochen Schmidt, NIWA's chief scientist of environmental information.
"NIWA apologises for any confusion created."
Dr Schmidt said NIWA is working with other science bodies and governments around the world to ensure climate and weather satellites and improved mobile networks can operate together.
Vodafone says it's confident its 5G rollout won't cause problems.
"There's always been talk about interference for 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi," said CEO Jason Paris.
"There'll be a lot of talk about 5G. From our perspective, we're very confident this is a great technology."
With climate change putting more heat and energy into the atmosphere over the coming decades, accurate forecasting will be more important than ever.
Newshub.
