5G ‘conspiracy theorists’ damage Belfast phone mast

An attack on a phone mast in west Belfast – being linked to anti-5G “conspiracy theories” – could result in significant service disruption for 02 phone service users, the company has said.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2021, 18:34 BST
The damaged phone mast in the Falls Road area. 02 imageThe damaged phone mast in the Falls Road area. 02 image
The damaged phone mast in the Falls Road area. 02 image

The mast in the Falls/Beechmount area was damaged on February 27, potentially leaving up to 5,000 customers experiencing weakened connectivity.

An 02 spokeswoman has pointed out that the mast – which is not 5G equipped – is situated within 300m of the Royal group of hospitals.

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The company has also said “the spread of 5G conspiracy theories” has led to a number of attacks on masts across the UK, which have affected non-5G networks.

Spokeswoman Emma Evans also said that, to date, no “adverse health effects from 5G have been established,” and urged anyone with concerns to check out Mobile UK’s #5GCheckTheFacts campaign.

She said: “This mast connects local residents and businesses to our 2G, 3G and 4G networks, which work together to keep the country connected, support the economy, help vulnerable people reach loved ones and allow essential services to respond to those in need.

“These attacks on network infrastructure are putting the community at risk. The conspiracy theories are not based on any recognised science, and we are working with police to find the perpetrators.”

Ms Evans added: “They harm the ability of vulnerable people to keep in touch with loved ones and prevent emergency services from effectively responding to those in need.”