New 5G network could interrupt weather forecast satellites

The roll-out of 5G mobile networks could have a big impact on weather forecasters' ability to predict major weather events. Weather satellites use certain radio frequency bands in the electromagnetic spectrum to monitor water vapour in the atmosphere, but bands near these frequencies may also be used by 5G networks. In particular the concern regards the 26 GHz band (between 24.25 GHz to 27.5 GHz) which is being sold internationally as part of the 5G spectrum. Ofcom in the UK is considering putting this band to auction in the future. The auction will see the communications regulator offer a private company the chance to buy the exclusive right to communicate using those frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum. However, the potential 5G band is very close to the 23.8 GHz frequency which is emitted by water vapour. It is radio signals at this frequency which meteorological satellites use to track weather patterns - and the 5G signal could potentially interfere with this data collection.