What you need to know about EME from telecommunications, including 5G

In an increasingly digital world, wireless telecommunications are essential to ensure all Australians regardless of where they live or work can actively participate in our modern, digital society.

Every day, access to essential services and connections are enabled by network facilities across the country. How? Our radios, mobile phones and other common devices use electromagnetic energy (EME) to transmit the radiofrequency signals that these devices need to operate.

As our communities grow and technologies evolve, new network facilities need to be installed to ensure our continued access to these services. To provide necessary coverage and capacity, these facilities also need to be installed close to the area they are expected to service.

Understandably, some in the community want to know if EME from these facilities and devices, including 5G, are safe. In Australia, EME from telecommunications is extensively researched and strict regulations are in place to ensure facilities and devices operate safely. All telecommunications infrastructure and devices in Australia are required by law to comply with these regulations.

EME is one of the most heavily studied types of energy in the world. Decades of research shows there is no verifiable evidence that EME from telecommunications facilities pose a health risk, especially when emission levels are below the maximum exposure limits set out in the Standard for Limiting Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields – 100 kHz to 300 GHz.

That’s the science of safe connection.