The third generation (3G) of mobile technology enables people to access multimedia services such as web, TV and downloads on their mobile phone. Research has shown that the introduction of 3G may have increased concern about health issues.
All mobile phones on the market, regardless of the technology they use, adhere to the international guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). This means that 3G mobile phones comply with the same guidelines as older phones. 3G technology refers to the way a mobile phone communicates information, not the amount of energy it uses. Like all mobile phones, 3G mobile phones continually adjust their power levels to use the minimum amount of energy to maintain good service.
Read more about measuring exposure from mobiles.
3G base stations
We also get asked whether 3G services need more base stations, or more powerful base stations. Again, all base stations comply with the ICNIRP guidelines and in fact 3G networks operate at very low power. On average, the total power of a 3G base station is less than that of a 2G base station.
The area covered by a base station is known as a cell. As we can offer more than just calls and texts on 3G mobiles, people now use their mobile phones in more ways than they used to. Network traffic is increasing, and each cell can only handle a certain level of calls, texts, emails, web, TV and downloads at a time. Also, 3G technology uses a slightly higher radio frequency than older mobile phones, which travels a shorter distance.
As a result, 3G cells are often smaller than cells using older technology, and more base stations are needed to provide the coverage our customers expect. This means 3G mobile phones are often closer to the nearest base station, use less power and radio frequency exposure actually decreases.
Read more about base stations and health.