Matthew Ashimolowo: 5G not connected to coronavirus, antichrist

In France, the arrival of 5G technology is imminent: phone network providers hope to begin 5G operations by the end of the year. Together they have spent more than €2 billion purchasing the required frequencies. While the transition to a 5G world is expected to revolutionise various parts of the economy, including the industry and health sectors, there are also fears about its rollout. Many NGOs are warning of health and environmental risks. FRANCE 24's Catherine Norris-Trent, Hanane Saïdani and Wassim Cornet report.

Apple joined the move to 5G on Tuesday, unveiling four new iPhones which use the new standard in what could be a turning point for the high-speed wireless technology.

Apple has unveiled its latest iPhone - the first major redesign of the company's flagship product since 2017. The iPhone 12 will join offerings from rivals in what the industry is hoping will be a spending spree on new phones as next-generation 5G mobile networks are rolled out. Also in today's business round-up, why the United States and the European Union are calling for talks to resolve a long-running trade dispute over subsidies to Airbus and Boeing.

North Macedonia, Kosovo and Bulgaria joined the US agreement aimed at stemming Chinese influence in 5G infrastructure. The US and EU also launched bilateral talks to discuss China issues.

British telecom companies will not be allowed to install new Huawei 5G equipment after September 2021, the UK government announced ahead of a debate on new telecom legislation.

Profits at Apple more than doubled in the first three months of 2021, as sales of all its flagship products soared. Demand for company's biggest earner, the iPhone, was boosted by the latest model, which can be used on 5G mobile networks.

One issue causing real concern about public health is fake news around Covid-19 vaccines. In France, anti-vaccine sentiment is already high, with 46% of people hesitant to get jabbed in December 2020. Among the fake news circulating most widely: the claim that US billionaire Bill Gates is planning to implant us all with 5G microchips along with the Covid-19 vaccine. Fact or fake? Our team has debunked it for you.

The company behind the world's first electric flying racing car series have teamed up with Australian technology consultants to help deliver the virtual race track and control systems needed to get racing started. Telstra Purple will use its 5G expertise to help get the Airspeeder EXA Series off the ground, transmitting terabytes of data in near real-time.

Winning bids went to subsidiaries of Telefonica, Telecom Italia and America Movil. Huawei was exluded from the tender amid US-China tech standoff.

Telecom operators in the US have been asked to delay the rollout of 5G technology for a second time. The aviation industry has expressed concern about possible issues with planes.

Airlines are concerned that the technology, which is planned to be rolled out as early as Wednesday, could have serious consequences. They warn if implemented near airports, 5G could interfere with gauging altitude.

The rollout of 5G service may seem like a great thing to device lovers, but for some international airlines it's a major worry. This week, American phone carriers AT&T and Verizon agreed to a partial delay in activating their 5G networks in the US over safety concerns. For more, we speak to technology policy expert Roslyn Layton.