Worcester's National Grid Smart Meter pilot program is also a WiMax pilot involving the installation of 242 antennas. WiMax is simliar to wifi but enables usage at much greater distances. The application approved for Godddard Street included a device with a range of 75 miles. Dr. Olle Johanssen discusses his research in Sweden, and Magda Havas of Trent University in Canada gives an overview of concerns about wifi in schools. Although she mentions that antennas are not installed near schools, the US has no such zoning protections. Schools near National Grid antennas may experience similar exposures to wifi in schools. Safety advocates question why there is no health of environmental monitoring of the pilot, or liability protections in place for the community.
Posted July 14th 2014 8:31pm.