Ofcom UK Tests 5G Mobile Emissions and Finds No Concerns

After recently publishing our fact check article on 5G (mobile broadband) health fears (here), we thought it might also be prudent to report on the results of Ofcom’s recent measurements of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions at related mobile sites, which found no problems. But the regulator do plan new licence conditions.

As part of its job the UK telecoms and media regulator conducts a spectrum measurement programme, which has been measuring the electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions from equipment used to transmit mobile signals and other wireless services for a number of years. Previously this focused upon existing mobile services (2G, 3G and 4G) but the work has now been extended to 5G and related frequencies.

Ofcom measured EMF emissions at some 16 sites used for 5G in 10 cities across the UK, focusing on areas where mobile use is likely to be highest. Mobile operators tend to direct the most spectrum and capacity at busy locations in order to better feed rising consumer demand.

At every site, emissions were said to be a “small fraction” of the levels included in international guidelines – set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). And indeed the absolute maximum measured at any single site was approximately just 1.5% of those levels, which is nicely under the ICNIRP threshold. In fact most 5G readings were many times lower than even that.

For example, at sites around Charing Cross in London, where a 3.4GHz based 5G signal was detected, the levels were just 0.0005% (Location 1), 0.0014% (Location 4) and 0.0007% (Location 5). As above, this reflects a percentage of the ICNIRP reference levels for general public exposure.

Ofcom also covered EMF emissions close to the 60GHz (mmWave band) fixed wireless equipment in Liverpool (this is a 5G trial provided by Blu Wireless) and again found nothing to worry about (the highest was just 1.2% of the reference level). Details on all of Ofcom’s surveys can be found here.

What we’ve found

To date, we have carried out EMF measurements at 16 locations in 10 cities across the UK, including Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. We have targeted this first set of measurements in areas where there are likely to be high levels of mobile phone use, including in and around major transport hubs and shopping centres.

The results so far indicate that:

• In all cases, the measured EMF levels from 5G-enabled mobile phone base stations are at small fractions of the levels identified in the ICNIRP Guidelines (the highest level being approximately 1.5% of the relevant level); and

• The contribution of 5G to the total emissions level observed is currently low – the highest level we observed in the band used for 5G was just 0.039% of the reference level.

Generally all manufacturers, installers and operators of wireless equipment should already be aware of the ICNIRP guidelines, and factor them in to how they plan their services. However, just to be sure, Ofcom are now proposing new licence conditions for spectrum licensees using equipment that can transmit at power levels above 10 Watts.

The proposals would mean licensees must operate within the ICNIRP guidelines as a condition of their Ofcom licence – including keeping data and records of any testing to demonstrate their compliance. The consultation on this will remain open until 15th May 2020 but since operators already work within ICNIRP guidelines then it’s unlikely to have much practical impact.