RF Power Output and ICNIRP Guidelines Compliance

Mobile phone operators already keep their RF power outputs to the lowest possible levels commensurate with effective service provision. They need to do this to ensure risk of interference within the network and with other radio networks is minimised. Whilst levels of power output are likely to go up and down during the day (depending on factors such as the number of people using their phones at any one time and the distance they are from the base station), the operators have confirmed that the base stations will, at all times, remain within the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure. Statutory powers to control outputs and ultimately to switch off radio transmitters are exercised on behalf of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by the Radiocommunications Agency (RA). The audit of mobile phone base station emissions carried out by the RA has so far indicated that all measurements are hundreds of times below the ICNIRP guidelines (see paragraph 2.18 above).