EMI and RFI from 5G and beyond spectrum: A theoretical estimation

The rapid deployment of 5G and the anticipated introduction of 6G wireless networks, utilizing increasingly higher frequency bands and complex signal modulation techniques, raise significant concerns regarding their potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) effects on diverse ecosystems. This theoretical research investigates the fundamental mechanisms through which these advanced wireless technologies could interact with biological systems, spanning from individual organisms to entire ecological communities. By analysing the spectral characteristics of 5G and 6G, including milli-meter-wave and terahertz frequencies, and reviewing existing literature on electromagnetic field interactions with living matter, this study explores potential impacts on animal, navigation, reproduction, physiology, and plant growth. Furthermore, it examines the cumulative and synergistic effects of these novel spectrum allocations alongside existing electromagnetic radiation sources. This theoretical analysis aims to identify knowledge gaps, highlight potential ecological vulnerabilities, and provide a foundational framework for future empirical research and the development of mitigation strategies to ensure the environmentally responsible deployment of next-generation wireless communication technologies.This work identifies the critical gap in real-world validation of EMI/RFI theoretical models and proposes an initial simulation framework. Results from simplified vector-based modelling suggest that coherent interference at 24 can result in a 25-fold increase in power density compared to a single source, underscoring the potential ecological risks.