The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, through the Digital Communications Department, will announce a tender within July 2020 to grant licences for 700 MHz and 3.6 GHz radio frequencies, in order to set up a 5G digital communications network.

According to a press release, the licences will be granted by the end of 2020 for a period of 20 years, and will include the obligation to develop and operate 5G networks covering at least 70% of the population of the Republic of Cyprus and all highways by December 2025.

The radio frequency licensing for the 5G networks is an obligation for all EU member states.

The 5G networks are a revolutionary technology, which is expected to play a central role in enhancing EU competitiveness in the global market, accelerating digital transformation and promoting green growth.

The European network is expected to create around two million jobs.

The 5G network will offer opportunities in various sectors, such as energy, health, agriculture, industry, and transport, and facilitate all sectors of the economy, providing improved services which will enhance the daily life of citizens, with self-drive cars, industrial robotics, tele-medicine, smart cities, Internet of Things, to name but a few devices to operate on 5G technology.

Regarding concerns voiced by a group of citizens on the adverse health and environmental effects of the 5G network, the Deputy Ministry says these are unfounded and that scientific research has not provided such evidence, as long as exposure limits are observed.

Source: CNA