Mobile phone and mast emissions

Many of us regularly use mobile phones for business or leisure. For mobile phones to work, a system of base stations (sometimes called masts) is required.

Radio signals

Mobile phones work using radio signals in a similar way to radio and television. The system is based on geographic areas known as cells. When you make a call, your mobile phone sends a signal to the nearest base station that controls a cell. The base station then transmits the signal through mobile and fixed line networks to connect you.

Cells vary in size depending on location and demand. A large base station may be able to carry 100 to 150 calls simultaneously. A smaller one may only be able to carry around 30 calls. More base stations will be needed in areas where lots of people want to use their mobile phones.

Finding out about and commenting on new mobile base stations

Every autumn, the Mobile Operators Association (MOA) sends all local planning authorities a copy of plans from the five main network operators (3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone) for new base stations in their area. To find out about these plans and details of any public consultations that may be taking place contact your local council.

Find your local council

Mast emissions

Base stations send and receive radio signals to connect with mobile phones. The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) sets out guidelines on the level of radiofrequency emissions (RF) to which people can be exposed.

There are more than 1,620 base stations in Northern Ireland, some of which are located on existing buildings or structures - all of which have to comply with the ICNIRP RF guidelines. Typically, base station RF emissions are well below the levels set by ICNIRP.

Every year the Office of Communications (Ofcom) carries out audits at a sample of sensitive sites near base stations by measuring RF emissions. A report of the findings is then published and made available on its website. You can also use an online database showing where mobile phone base stations are situated.

If you are concerned about a phone mast or base station near you, you can apply to have a site considered for auditing by Ofcom. There is no charge for this service.

Find mobile phone masts in your area

Mobile phones and health

There has been a lot of research into the possible effects of exposure from both mobile phones and base stations. In 2000 a government report from the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) found that 'the balance of evidence does not suggest mobile phone technologies put the health of the general population at risk'. A report summarising the latest independent research findings was also published. It can be found on the Mobile Telephones and Health Research (MTHR) website.