James Taylor: Don’t let disinformation halt tech innovation in Florida

Florida has taken steps to accommodate growth and prepare for the needs of our communities. These proactive decisions have propelled the state’s economy and helped attract new jobs to the area, making Florida one of the fastest growing states in the country, with a rapidly expanding job market. 

By focusing on the future Florida has attracted significant private sector investments in local infrastructure resulting in the implementation of a robust fiber-optic networks. As the next era of 5G approaches it is vital leaders maintain this forward vision. The succeeding generation of wireless networks will be as much as 100 times faster than the current 4G standard, opening new horizons for businesses and residents. 

Over the past 15 years wireless networks moved from 2G to 3G and on to 4G and LTE. Each stage in this progression has shared certain core elements. They all rely on radio frequencies to transmit voice and data, and the innovations in each stage are the result of early industry investments responding to increasing consumer demands. 

Unfortunately, fear is being spread through disinformation surrounding mobile networks in an attempt to impede the progress necessary to advance connectivity and security. Attempts to block this technological leap, through promoting unsubstantiated negative health effects, need to be seen for what they are. These are flagrant efforts by unreliable news outlets, conspiracy theorists and other nations intent on slowing progress through organized disinformation tactics. 

According to a New York Times investigative report, the Russian news network, RT America, is part of this coordinated campaign to stall 5G deployment in the United States by linking 5G to adverse health effects. Statements attempting to discourage investment by spreading unsubstantiated claims of health risks due to radio frequencies, and declarations that 5G causes COVID-19, are ludicrous. 

The Times’ report refers to the effort as “economic warfare” by an adversary that in the absence of their own 5G strategy, is determined to undermine and discredit infrastructure deployment efforts in the United States. 

Experts in the field of radio frequencies, from the World Health Organization and the Federal Communications Commission to the American Cancer Society, have weighed in on the issue of health risks associated with radio frequency. The consensus among health experts is that the weight of scientific evidence shows no known health risk to humans due to the radio frequency energy emitted by antennas and cellphones. 

The communications industry is investing heavily to provide the networks necessary to meet connectivity needs. As a result of these investments, Florida is beginning to experience unprecedented wireless connectivity. 

Today, even in the early stages of the 5G marketplace, society is already benefiting from wireless speeds in excess of a gigabit and latency comparable to the speed of stimuli traveling through our own nervous systems. 

Businesses are testing new use cases including applications in virtual and augmented realities. Manufacturing facilities are making production more efficient and effective, and health care providers are developing new ways to treat ailments and restore health. At the same time, Career and Technical Education (CTE) systems and higher education institutions are exploring innovations in the classroom. 

Without question, mobile 5G is jumpstarting the next wave of unforeseen innovation. As Florida continues to grow, and as Florida’s tech industry continues efforts to attract new businesses producing high-paying careers, we cannot risk being left behind in the race to modern connectivity. 

James Taylor is CEO of the Florida Technology Council.

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