Brussels 4G network up in the air

Brussels may be getting a 4G telecom network by the autumn, a system that would provide ultra-broadband internet access to mobile devices. Brussels Environment Minister Evelyne Huytebroeck (Francophone Green, pictured) is preparing a proposal aimed at reaching an agreement with the Brussels-Capital Region within a fortnight. At the end of January, the head of Belgian telecom giant Belgacom, Didier Bellens, criticised the strict radiation norms in Brussels, claiming that they made it impossible for his business to set up a 4G network which would enable faster data traffic. Under Huytebroeck's proposal, the 4G network would appear alongside the existing 2G and 3G networks, while still keeping to the 3 volt/meter norm for all networks. Her proposal has been met with mixed reactions. While Huytebroeck can count on the support of Brussels Mobility Minister Bruno De Lille (Flemish Green), Brussels Parliament member Els Ampe (Open Vld) finds the proposal "still largely inadequate", providing a temporary solution for the 4G, but no solution for current and upcoming issues with 2G and 3G. Brussels Parliament member Paul De Ridder (N-VA) agrees that the Minister's proposal is insufficient, as it does not take into account future network providers, which are already speaking of 5G.