‘5G radiation below international limits’

The level of 5G radiation in the Kingdom doesn’t exceed one per cent of the level allowed internationally, according to a study carried out by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). 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, a statement issued by the regulator said.

“Using specialised equipment acquired by the TRA’s Spectrum Management Department, the measurements collected are compared to guidelines set forth by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) as detailed in the aforementioned Order,” the statement added.

“Over the past four years, the 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. “Moreover, in January 2019, the historical measurements including WiMAX and 4G results, which is currently used for 5G were shared with a delegation from World Health Organisation.

“The delegation’s report was presented to The Council of Ministers in February 2019 where it showed that the level of the signals emitted by the telecom towers are well below the maximum permissible threshold set by ICNIRP.” ICNIRP provides its recommendations, guidelines, and research results to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which adopts these recommendations and guidelines as a basis for health regulations and notices concerning protection from electromagnetic field strength radiation.

“As per the condition stated in licences granted by the TRA in Bahrain, telecoms operators are required to ensure that emissions from each radio installation are within ICNIRP limits. “They are also required to comply with any future radiation emission standards set by ICNIRP, or have been or will be adopted by the Kingdom,” said Mohamed Al Nuaimi, director of Technical Operations.