Reference: 679478

Jerin John
Information Rights Adviser
Information.requests@ofcom.org.uk

6 March 2019

Freedom of Information: Right to know request

Thank you for your request for research on the environmental and health impact of 5G networks.

This was received by Ofcom on 27 February and it has been considered under the Freedom of
Information Act 2000.

You asked:

Hello, would you please provide any research undertaken or referenced by Ofcom with regard the
planned deployment of the frequencies to be used by the 5g networks that will be licensed by Ofcom
in the UK. Also, please provide any Risk analysis data of the impact on the environment from such
technology as will be deployed in the testing of ultra-high frequency networks.

Would you also be kind and provide and findings of consultations undertaken with the public,
schools, and health authorities as to these consequences of blanket coverage of non-ionising
radiation. Most grateful for your attention to this matter. The information is requested with regard a
series of talks and articles I am giving on the subject.

Lastly, would you refer me to any third-party standards that you may be applying in the UK when
licensing power emissions for 5g devices and transmitters with particular reference to the dates any
standards were set.

We have published information on our website Enabling 5G in the UK about what is being done to
make 5G available in the UK. We do not, however, hold risk analysis data of the impact on the
environment from 5G technology deployment and consultations concerning the consequences of
blanket coverage of non-ionising radiation. This is because we have no statutory duties in this area,
it does not fall within our remit and other bodies such as the World Health Organisation (“WHO”)
and Public Health England are better placed to address such issues.

As the UK communications regulator, we regulate mobile networks’ use of radio frequencies in the
UK. We are not, however, responsible for determining the levels of exposure to the Electromagnetic
Field (“EMF”), the emissions produced by mobile base stations, that are safe for the public. Mobile
Network Operators (“MNOs”) are responsible for ensuring that their base stations comply with the
relevant EMF safety limits. As and when the MNOs upgrade their networks to deploy 5G technology,
they must continue to ensure their mobile base stations stay within these limits.

Public Health England is the relevant organisation responsible for advising the UK Government on
EMF exposure and it also provides advice to national authorities on EMF issues. Please see also their

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guidance note, Mobile phone base stations: radio waves and health. In addition, the WHO also
covers this area in relation to the health and safety of radio frequencies such as 5G.

Regarding your last part of your request, technical information for various radio services and
frequency bands, including interface requirements, is available on our website, Spectrum
information.

If you have any queries, please contact information.requests@ofcom.org.uk. Please remember to

quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely,

Jerin John

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Ofcom
Riverside House
2a Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HA

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a
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Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

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