The deadline for public consultation on the introduction of controversial 5G technology will not be extended, it was announced yesterday.

The Regulatory Authority of Bermuda confirmed that the November 23 deadline will remain, despite appeals from campaigners to extend the month-long consultation on radio frequency and 5G safety by 30 days.

A spokeswoman for the RA added: “Due to the local and global controversy surrounding 5G technology, the RA has empanelled an independent advisory panel to review existing information, studies and research, as well as feedback from the public.

“The panel will also offer advice on policy direction prior to the RA making a decision on whether the implementation of 5G is suitable for Bermuda.

“Therefore, we will reserve comment until the consultation process is concluded.”

Greenrock, the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, Ocean Rock Wellness, Bermuda Advocates for Safe Technology and David Wingate, a naturalist and conservationist, united to ask for an extension.

They complained that the consultation started when the public was focused on Covid-19.

They said in a joint statement that any push for the introduction of 5G – the fifth generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks – would put “profit over people” and potentially expose the community to “a substantial increase in wireless radiation”.

But the Regulatory Authority confirmed yesterday that the November 23 deadline will remain, despite appeals from campaigners to extend the consultation period.