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5G: 5th generation mobile communication.
Our existing Ericsson mobile network operates at 4.5G, we are now trialling 5G in a few sites. On this page we show readings taken from key locations in Malta, which clearly show emissions across Malta, including wherever 5G is being trialled.
The readings show that current emission levels measured at street level, at all 282 sites around Malta except one, are less than 1 per cent of the WHO-recognised ICNIRP guideline levels for the general public.
The initial 5G test at Madliena, showed that the increase in street level emissions was negligible, meaning total emissions remain below one hundredth of the ICNIRP guideline levels.
What do the readings show?
For each site where we have taken readings, the percentages shown refer to the 2020 ICNRIP guideline level for the general public. ICNRIP is an international body formally recognised by the WHO, standard mandated in national law and in use throughout the EU.
Street level is where most of us spend most of our time. Emission levels in higher level apartments would be similar to readings taken here.
Antenna level measurements are taken in close proximity of the antennae – few of us would ever be in this area, unless for short periods of time working.
At the sites where we have measured 5G, the contribution from 5G was negligible; the total emissions from all telecommunication transmissions remained at a small percentage – or less - of the guideline level for the general public.
Search by Area
Select your area in the box below.
In the first bar you will see emissions from all networks, in the second bar you’ll see the Melita network contribution.
If 5G is being trialled in that site, the measurements will include the 5G trial data.
Please click here to see all readings for 5G.
- Street level
- Antenna level
Telcommunications Frequencies in Malta
We are trialing 5G on frequencies which have been used in Malta for many years.
*WiMax technology previously in use in Malta.
Frequently asked questions
What is 5G?
5G is the next, or fifth, generation mobile network, coming after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G. It not only offers much faster data download and upload speeds – it will also increase quality and capacity to such an extent that millions of devices will be able to connect to the internet smoothly.
What is the big deal about 5G?
2G revolutionised communication – at the time – by giving us the opportunity to send text messages (SMS) as well as make phone calls from our mobile devices. 3G took things a step further by allowing us to go online while 4G and 4.5G have continued to take the mobile internet to new heights. 5G will not only mean even faster speeds, it will also increase quality and capacity to such an extent that millions of devices will be able to connect to the internet smoothly. This will enable a number of exciting advances in areas such as self-driving vehicles, remote healthcare and other uses with social, environmental and economic benefits.
My WiFi at home is on 5G already, what's the difference?
Wifi is a technology that operates on 2 frequency bands – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The term 5G when used in the context of Wifi refers the 5GHz Wifi band.
5G, in the mobile technology context, refers to the generation of the mobile technology.
Where are the sites you are trialing?
The major test site will be at the Melita Data Centre next to Madliena Fort. Check the other sites here, where test data from all sites are published on this page.
What technology is Melita using to trial 5G?
Melita’s 5G-ready network is supplied by Ericsson, a Swedish multinational network and telecommunications company. Ericsson have already deployed more than 60 5G networks in more than 30 countries around the world. Melita has taken the decision to keep working with Ericsson for trialling 5G in Malta.
How are these measurements taken?
We measure emissions at the test locations using an industry standard field strength analyser and procedure. We measure over a period of 6 minutes and take the maximum of the average readings in that period. The readings are then shown a percentage of the ICNIRP general public.
This is the same methodology used by regulators both locally and in other countries including OFCOM, the UK Government regulator.
Why are you measuring emissions?
All wireless communications, such as TV, WiFi and all mobile networks, transmit at frequencies on the radio spectrum.
For 5G we are using frequencies which have been used for a long time, meaning there is a large body of scientific research into the effects of transmitting at these frequencies, and their suitability for telecommunications use.
The measurements we are getting from this trial are a very small percentage of the recommended guidelines for the general public issued by ICNIRP, these guidelines are designed to protect our health.
The measurements on this page show that radio emissions in Malta are far below the global guideline levels set by ICNIRP, – a non-governmental organisation formally recognised by WHO. The 5G trial results do not significantly increase emission levels. These results are in line with readings from the UK taken by OFCOM in sites where 5G networks are live.
This is because the frequencies that Melita is using for 5G are frequencies which have already been in use by wireless networks for many years, and due to the advanced nature of our Ericsson network.
When will Melita launch 5G?
We are trialling 5G to test the equipment and measure performance in a local context. We started rolling out our 5G-ready network with Ericsson, a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, in 2018 and completed nationwide coverage in 2019. Since then, we’ve been operating the new network at 4.5G and, as a result, seen our mobile customers’ satisfaction increase steadily. It is a logical step now to do a limited trial of 5G, to measure performance with this more advanced technology. Depending on the results of this test, on the availability of devices, and on the potential societal advantages that the technology will bring, we will consider whether to launch this service in the future.
What is 5G?
5G is the next, or fifth, generation mobile internet connection coming after 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G. It offers much faster connection to the internet.
Melita’s 5G-ready network is supplied by Ericsson, a Swedish multinational network and telecommunications company. Ericsson have already deployed 5G networks in more than 30 countries around the world.