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Audit of mobile phone base stations - information sheet

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1. Introduction

This information leaflet provides details, background and registration information about Ofcom's audit programme of mobile phone base stations.

2. Ofcom

Ofcom (the Office of Communications) is the communications industry regulator, with wide-ranging responsibilities across the UK's communications markets.

An independent regulatory body, Ofcom inherited in December 2003 the Radiocommunications Agency's (RA) responsibility for managing the UK civil radio spectrum. As part of that function we measure radio emissions and help prevent interference to radio services.

Ofcom can measure the emissions levels near to base stations. An form to request an audit may be found at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/sitefinder/sitefinder. The emphasis of the program continues to be with schools and hospitals (as outlined in the Stewart Report) although we will consider requests for surveys in locations where there is unrestricted public access and concern about signal levels. We cannot audit within private homes. Please note though that Ofcom’s remit is only the measurement (not any wider interpretation) of field strengths, to ensure compliance with guidance published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

3. The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP)

The IEGMP, also called the Stewart Group after it's chairman Sir William Stewart, was established in April 1999 to examine the possible effects of mobile phones, base stations and transmitters on public health.

In May 2000 the IEGMP made it's report; the report recommended the establishment of an independent audit of base stations. In response the Government asked RA to implement a national measurement programme, to ensure that emissions from mobile phone base stations do not exceed the ICNIRP guideline levels. This programme is now being continued by Ofcom.

Ofcom is, however, not responsible for local planning matters or health issues relating to mobile phone base stations and masts. Contact details and websites for Government Departments and organisations dealing with these, and other related issues can be found in the Related Sites section on the sitefinder website.

4. The audit programme to date

Reflecting public concern, the initial 2001 audit focused on schools with base stations on their premises. An audit of 100 such sites showed that emission levels were all considerably below the ICNIRP guidelines. The lowest recorded level in 2001 was 1/825,764 below the guidelines, and the highest recorded level 1/279 below the guidelines.

Through 2002 and 2003 the audit programme expanded to include other types of sensitive site.

The 2002 programme comprised surveys at 27 hospitals and 83 schools located near to a mast. The lowest recorded level in 2002 was 1/19,907,515 below the guidelines and the highest recorded level 1/731 below the guidelines.

The 2003 programme again included hospitals and schools. Some other sensitive sites were also audited, including residential areas and commercial premises. A total of 93 sites were audited in 2003. The lowest recorded level in 2003 was 1/10,843,598 below the guidelines and the highest recorded level 1/619 below the guidelines.

All of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 audit reports can be found in the RA archive of the Ofcom website. The RA also undertook some surveys of multi-user sites which can also be found in the RA archive. (These are aimed to give a more complete picture of emission levels across a wider range of radio frequencies).

5. Audit results

The manager of an audited site will be provided with the audit results in the form of a report. All results will also be posted on the Ofcom website.

6. Further information

More information about the current audit programme, is on the Frequently Asked Questions page on the sitefinder website.

If you do not have internet access, or the website does not provide an answer to your enquiry, please contact:

Ofcom Advisory Team
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London
SE1 9HA
Tel: 0300 123 3333
Fax: 0300 123 0811
Email: contact@ofcom.org.uk

Ofcom produces a range of information leaflets and other publications concerning the use of radio. These are available free of charge on our website, or hard copies can be ordered from the Ofcom Advisory Team.