5G Weather Forecast Issues

5G mobile networks could interfere with radio frequency satellites and have a big impact on weather forecasters’ ability to predict major weather ev

19:59 08 May 2019

26 GHz band (between 24.25 GHz to 27.5 GHz), a band of the spectrum used for 5G communications, could interfere with the radiofrequency satellites use to monitor water vapour.

 

Ofcom is considering putting this band to auction in the future and allow a private company the chance to buy the exclusive right to communicate using those frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum.

 

Jim Dale, senior meteorologist British Weather Services says it is an "international concern".

 

"It's a bit like crowded skies - there are a lot satellites in the sky all doing different jobs.

 

 "Weather satellites and 5G happen to be potentially sharing a very, very similar frequency and therefore there will be a potential conflict, and this conflict is likely to affect one or the other.

 

He said: "Weather knows no boundaries. We've got to work together and compromise."