5G testing and early trials as per the 2018 National Telecoms Strategy

Summary

A request was made regarding 5G testing and trials under the 2018 National Telecoms Strategy, including public notification and opt-out provisions. The Department for Enterprise responded that it does not hold the requested information as it is not directly involved in issuing spectrum.

Key Facts

• The Department for Enterprise does not hold the information requested regarding 5G trials.
• The authority is not directly involved in the issuing of spectrum for 5G.
• Requesters are advised to contact the Isle of Man Communication Commission for spectrum allocation timetables.
• The request references the Tynwald approved 2018 National Telecoms Strategy.
• The response was issued on 11 December 2019.

Data Disclosed

• 1050263
• 2018
• 2019-11-14
• 2019-12-11
• 1st Floor
• IM1 1EX
• 01624 682381
• Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015

Original Request

The Tynwald approved 2018 National Telecoms Strategy recommends early tests and trials of new 5G mobile technology on the Island. 1. Will the Manx public be informed they are in a test area? 2. Will they be able to opt out if they do not consent to being a live human experiment? 3. Will provisions be made for vulnerable people in these test areas? eg children, pregnant, EMHS disabilities. 4. Have any 5G mobile technology tests commenced on the IOM yet? 5. If yes where? 6. If No when and where are they planned and how will the public be informed they are involved in the 5G trials?

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator 1st Floor, St Georges Court Upper Church Street, Douglas Isle of Man IM1 1EX

Telephone: (01624 682381) Website: www.gov.im/ded Email: anthony.walker@gov.im

Our ref: 1050263 11 December 2019

Dear ####

We write further to your request which was received on 14 November 2019 and which states:

"The Tynwald approved 2018 National Telecoms Strategy recommends early tests and trials of new 5G mobile technology on the Island.

1. Will the Manx public be informed they are in a test area?

2. Will they be able to opt out if they do not consent to being a live human experiment?

3. Will provisions be made for vulnerable people in these test areas? eg children, pregnant, EMHS disabilities.

4. Have any 5G mobile technology tests commenced on the IOM yet?

5. If yes where?

6. If No when and where are they planned and how will the public be informed they are involved in the 5G trials?"

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the public authority does not hold or cannot, after taking reasonable steps to do so, find the information that you have requested.

The Department for Enterprise is not directly involved in the issuing of spectrum for 5G and therefore it may be beneficial for you to re-direct your queries to the Isle of Man Communication Commission, whom may be able to provide you with a timetable for the allocation of spectrum on the Island.

Please quote the reference number 1050263 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.

Yours sincerely