THE level of radiation emitted from 5G networks in Bahrain does not exceed one per cent of the rate permitted internationally, according to the country’s telecom watchdog.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has been measuring the level of emissions produced by radio-communications stations of mobile operators that have successfully launched 5G services in the country.
Its technical operations director Mohamed Al Noaimi said yesterday that the collected data showed emissions from each radio installation were within standards set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
He explained that frequencies used for 5G networks were similar to those used for WiMAX and some 4G services – adding that TRA has measured more than 4,500 sites, including newly deployed 5G enabled radio sites, in the last four years.
It comes as a group of MPs are spearheading efforts to halt the country’s rollout of 5G technology, amid fears it could cause cancer, and have demanded a detailed study on possible health risks.
Both VIVA and Batelco have invested in 5G network upgrades, with Bahrain set to become one of the first countries in the world to implement the technology as early as this month.
“As per the condition stated in licences granted by the TRA in Bahrain, telecom operators are required to ensure that emissions from each radio installation are within ICNIRP limits,” said Mr Al Noaimi in a statement.
Mr Al Noaimi ... level of radiation emitted from 5G networks within international standards
“They are also required to comply with any future radiation emission standards set by ICNIRP, or have been or will be adopted by Bahrain.
“Frequencies used for 5G are the same as previously used for WiMAX and some 4G services that were introduced in Bahrain since 2007 and 2013 respectively.
“Over the past four years, TRA has measured more than 4,500 sites including the newly deployed 5G enabled radio sites; none of which have exceeded the limits and radiation standards of ICNIRP.
“Furthermore, the results of the measurements done on the 5G sites specifically showed that the maximum value observed was less than one per cent of the maximum permissible threshold as indicated in ICNIRP guidelines.”
He also encouraged the public to visit safetymeasurements.tra.org.bh to view the levels of radiation emissions measured in the different areas around the country.
“These results reflect the number of measurements and not the number of towers,” added the statement.
The ICNIRP provides recommendations, guidelines and research results to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which in turn adopts them as a basis for health regulations and notices concerning protection from electromagnetic field strength (EMF) radiation.
The proposal to delay 5G rollout, which was submitted to parliament on Sunday, calls on the TRA and the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry to submit a health study to the National Assembly.
However, MPs are currently on a summer recess and are not due to return to the chamber until October. Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee has summoned Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed to a meeting next week to debate the issue.
Once fully rolled out 5G will not only increase the speed of data networks, but also create opportunities for innovation in smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) – through increased communication between devices.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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