Ofcom's new spectrum licence EMF conditions

The UK’s spectrum regulator, Ofcom, is introducing new licence conditions for spectrum users to ensure their equipment continues to operate within international electromagnetic field (EMF) guidelines.

Those safety guidelines were developed by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

To ensure manufacturers, installers and operators of wireless equipment are aware of the guidelines, Ofcom proposed new conditions for spectrum licensees earlier this year. Following consultation, it has now decided to introduce the new licence conditions.

Equipment that is authorised to transmit at power levels higher than 10 watts must operate within the ICNIRP guidelines as a condition of the user’s Ofcom licence, which includes the keeping of data and records of any testing to demonstrate compliance.

Ofcom intends to launch an online EMF calculator tool to help make it as easy as possible to check whether the use of radio equipment is likely to comply with the guidelines. Initially the tool will be available on a trial basis; the full version will be launched following user feedback.

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