India Doubles 5G Radiation Limits to 10W/m², Matches Global Standards
By Business Desk
India raises 5G EMF limits to 10W/m², aligning with global standards to enhance network efficiency and accelerate 5G deployment.
The Indian government has officially increased the electromagnetic field (EMF) limits for mobile networks, specifically doubling the permitted power density for 5G base tower stations (BTS).
This policy change, effective next month, raises the limit from 5 watts per square meter to 10 watts per square meter, aligning India with international regulatory benchmarks.
Key Regulatory Changes
- Previous Limit: 5 watts per square meter for 5G BTS.
- New Limit: 10 watts per square meter for 5G BTS.
- Global Alignment: Consistent with standards in approximately 137 countries worldwide.
This revision has been a persistent request from the telecom industry, which argued that India’s previously stricter EMF limits hindered the efficient deployment and expansion of 5G networks.
The strategic move aims to enable telecom operators to provide broader coverage with a reduced number of towers, thereby enhancing service quality amidst rising 5G traffic.
Global Benchmarks and Historical Context
Historically, India’s radiation emission norms were considerably more stringent than those recommended by the International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
ICNIRP advises the World Health Organisation and various government bodies on the health and environmental impacts of EMF, setting a widely accepted international standard.
- European Union
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
The new 10-watt limit is now consistent with the standards adopted by these major economies and numerous other nations.
Impact on Telecom Operators
The updated regulations are expected to particularly benefit telecom operators by allowing for more efficient network infrastructure planning and deployment.
This efficiency translates into higher quality service for consumers and reduced operational costs for companies.
- Vodafone Idea: Gains significantly as it rolls out its 5G services, now planning network infrastructure based on these higher limits.
- Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio: Established operators will benefit from reduced incremental capital expenditure and more efficient utilization of their existing network sites.
The move is poised to streamline 5G expansion across India, fostering a more robust and cost-effective digital infrastructure.