Updated at 23 Jun 2026
As a further development of the previous 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile communication systems, Germany began rolling out fifth-generation (5G) mobile communications in 2019. The 5G mobile communication standard is regarded as a core technology for the digitalization of industry, automated and connected transportation systems, the Internet of Things, and many other technical developments. All mobile communication systems operate by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic fields.
Against this backdrop, the Radiation Protection Commission assessed whether, based on the current state of research, the scientific foundations upon which the limits for radiofrequency emissions (transmitters and terminal devices) currently in force in Germany are based remain fully valid. This statement deals only with the biological and health aspects of radiofrequency fields in the frequency range up to approximately 7 gigahertz (Frequency Range 1, FR1), which has already been extensively used for mobile communications and is also used in current 5G networks. In addition, specific technical aspects of the new 5G technology are examined, and their impact on expected radiofrequency emissions and public exposure is assessed. An evaluation of 5G applications in the future frequency range above 20 gigahertz (FR2) will be conducted in a separate statement by the SSK.
In Part I of this statement, the Radiation Protection Commission comments on the technical aspects of 5G technology, while in Part II it provides an assessment of the current state of research regarding the biological and health effects of high-frequency fields in the FR1 frequency range.
