Dozens of La Jolla residents are protesting AT&T’s plan to install a 30-foot 5G cell tower along a popular bike path, citing concerns over aesthetics and potential health risks.
Richard Allen reports for CBS 8 San Diego.
In short:
- Residents gathered at a town hall to oppose the proposed tower, arguing it would be an eyesore and disrupt a well-used community space.
- Concerns over wireless radiation were raised, despite regulatory agencies stating there is no consistent evidence of health risks.
- Protesters plan to take their fight to the San Diego City Council, seeking more community input on cell tower placements.
Why this matters:
As 5G infrastructure continues its rapid expansion, the debate over where to place cell towers and small antennas shows no sign of slowing down. While telecom companies argue that dense networks of 5G transmitters are essential for faster speeds and broader coverage, many residents push back, citing concerns about aesthetics, property values and potential health risks.
While cities and regulators wrestle with how to streamline 5G deployment, lawsuits and local ordinances continue to shape the conversation. For now, the challenge remains: how to address the demand for high-speed connectivity while being responsive to community members that feel they are being asked to shoulder the costs of innovation.
Related: Regulations on radiation exposure remain unchanged for decades
