McKinney City Council took a step toward studying the implementation of 5G wireless technology and what it means for the city at a May 21 meeting. Council approved a resolution adopting a set of 5G guiding principles. These will influence the city’s efforts to implement the wireless technology. After hearing from four residents who spoke in opposition to adding 5G technology to the city and cited concerns about public health and safety, City Council added an eighth principle to the list of guiding principles. The new principle will “ensure the health and safety of the residents, guests and visitors of the city of McKinney to include, but not limited to, studies of the effects on health in areas serviced by 5G communications and the radiation emitted from signals transmitted by the same.” The guidelines approved also include ensuring reliable 5G services at the lowest cost to residents and businesses, minimizing disruption of public and private properties, ensuring efficient use of public and private assets, and maintaining consistency with the city’s comprehensive land-development plan, among other principles, according to city documents. City Council began discussions on implementing the wireless technology during a work session April 22. 5G is one of the fastest wireless communication systems available, according to a presentation during the April 22 work session. It would allow for the adoption of new industries including autonomous vehicles, smart communities, higher data transfer rates and new industrial advancements. City staff is specifically looking to implement 5G technology along the SH 121 corridor, Gary Graham, director of engineering for the city of McKinney, said at the April 22 work session. Next steps include launching a 5G strategy initiative in the spring and developing a 5G strategy in the summer. McKinney reporter Emily Davis contributed to this article.