N-VA parliamentarians welcome 5G in Flanders after opposition in Wallonia

“Don’t let the lack of openness to innovation in Wallonia be an obstacle to the rapid rollout of 5G in Flanders.” The N-VA welcomes the rollout of 5G in Flanders. “New technologies help our economy move forward.”

Walloon mistrust

Several French-language newspapers have reported that Proximus is suspending the expansion of the 5G network indefinitely in some Walloon municipalities. There is resistance to 5G in those municipalities, including the Walloon capital of Namur. Opponents believe that 5G emits dangerous radiation, while in Brussels 5G is blocked by strict radiation standards.

Open to innovation

The N-VA is using the Walloon resistance to argue for an accelerated rollout of 5G in Flanders. It does not share the mistrust of the French-speaking side. “There is no scientific basis for that,” says the N-VA. “Flanders is open to new technologies and is aware that these are necessary to advance our economy and give our companies a head start.”

Faster rollout in Flanders

In the House of Representatives, the N-VA is following up on the theme of telecommunications. “We are calling on Proximus to invest the released capacity in Flanders as a matter of priority and to accelerate its rollout. It is crucial for the development of the Flemish economy that new technologies and innovations are rolled out as quickly and as widely as possible.”

Urban myths

“As far as the N-VA is concerned, the conclusion is crystal clear: “Flemish cities and municipalities have not resisted the rollout of 5G and are fully embracing technological innovation. We should not be faced with the threat of missing out because of the urban myths that are circulating. Don’t let the lack of openness to innovation in Wallonia be an obstacle to the rapid rollout of 5G in Flanders.”