BOSSES behind a 5G testing project in the North Pennines insisted that their technology was safe as they were grilled by local residents this week.

Cybermoor’s project manager, Daniel Heery, was invited to speak at Alston Parish Council’s meeting on Monday following residents’ concerns over potential health risks of a high frequency 5G mobile phone network.

Part of the 5G system has already gone live in the area, with a connection at Nenthead Mines providing visitors with access to the World Around Me app that was launched last month. Further installations are largely dependent on a trial, which runs until September.

Mr Heery explained that the 5G testbed in the area utilised the old analogue TV signal, as well as the same frequency currently used by WiFi networks and existing broadband services, and confirmed that higher frequency equipment would not be used on Alston Moor.

Resident Andy Holt said: “With 5G, it’s two-way. It’s sending and receiving data unlike TV. There must be a lot more data in the airwaves. Has that technology been tested?”

Mr Heery replied: “We have raised this with King’s College London and they said there’s a relatively small amount of data compared to TV. 5G will only be broadcasting and receiving data when someone is using the internet, whereas TV is broadcasting a signal all day and night.”