India Eases 5G Electromagnetic Field Regulations: Report

The government has announced new electromagnetic field (EMF) regulations for 5G networks, increasing the permitted power density for base tower stations (BTS) from 1 to 5 watts per square metre, says a report by Economic Times (ET). This move, while still maintaining stricter standards than international guidelines, addresses long-standing industry concerns about network deployment efficiency.

Also read: Apple's Affordable iPhone May Debut as iPhone 16E, Not iPhone SE 4

Industry Impact

The revised regulations, taking effect February 1, represent a strategic shift in India's approach to 5G infrastructure deployment. Telecom providers will now be able to achieve broader coverage with fewer base stations, resulting in reduced capital expenditure and a smaller environmental footprint.

"The telcos can submit self-certificates based on the new EMF norms from February onwards," a government official was quoted as saying by ET.

The modification brings India's standards closer to, though still below, the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, which recommend 10 watts per square metre. 

The ICNIRP, which advises the World Health Organization (WHO) and various government agencies, has established guidelines that have been adopted by 137 countries globally.

Government officials acknowledge that while previous EMF regulations were suitable for 2G and 3G technologies, they posed challenges for 5G implementation. 

"5G operates at higher frequency bands and due to RF attenuation, the cell site coverage reduces in 5G operating at higher frequencies," explained an official.

Telco Benefits

The regulatory adjustment particularly benefits operators like Vodafone Idea, which has recently begun its 5G rollout. Industry experts estimate that under the previous guidelines, operators needed approximately 40 per cent more sites to cover equivalent areas, leading to inefficient infrastructure utilisation and increased deployment costs.