Mobile phones cannot work without base stations. Our comprehensive network of base stations allows us to keep improving our coverage and to introduce new services such as video calling, internet and mobile TV.
Click the links on the right for more about base stations
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) factsheet on base stations and wireless technologies states that “there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF (radio frequency) signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects”. The WHO’s research agenda does not include further studies into the effects of RF exposure from base stations, as this is not considered necessary.
We appreciate that sometimes people are still concerned, and we consult with local communities when choosing sites for our base stations to make sure we understand their issues. Particular concerns have been raised about base stations being placed in or near to schools and other community buildings, where children spend a lot of time.
Public exposure to RF from base stations is actually very low. The power of an individual base station varies depending on the area covered, but is typically between 10 and 150 watts. Micro-cell base stations that give extra coverage and capacity in busy areas, and in and around buildings, usually have a power of between 1 and 2 watts. The public’s exposure to RF from base stations is typically a fraction of guidelines set by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Most of our operating companies make estimates or actual readings of RF exposure levels available to the public. These demonstrate that exposure from our base stations is substantially below the ICNIRP guidelines. The readings are found on individual operating company websites, or independent third party (e.g. national or regional authorities and universities) websites in the countries where we have a presence.
Find more information on the visual impact of base stations, and our policies on placement.
