Telecoms operators are responsible for ensuring that emissions from their radio masts meet the standards set down by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The ICNIRP emission standards are recognised by the World Health Organisation, and are used within the European Union and other regions as a benchmark against which to measure radio-frequency transmissions.
During mast audits, measurements of emissions are taken and compared against the ICNIRP standards. The audit also examines safety processes and procedures that each operator has in place to secure their on-going compliance with their licence obligations, and to ensure the safety of the public, their own staff and others who may come into contact with the mast sites.
The most recent comprehensive audit of the mobile network operator's masts was carried out by consultants iWireless in 2017. All 274 mobile mast sites across the Channel Islands were examined and found to be well within the health and safety limits prescribed by the ICNIRP. In 2018, iWireless carried out a further audit, focussed on new masts and upgraded masts, together with surveying all masts in Alderney and Sark.
Because of the COVID pandemic, the further audit planned in 2020 was delayed and it is hoped to carry this out later in 2021. This will again focus on new and upgraded masts together with other masts on a sample basis.
The results of the most recent surveys for Jersey, Guernsey (including Herm), Sark and Alderney can be found here:
Interactive maps for each island allow you to locate individual mast sites and read the individual\ audit reports for each site. You may also contact us for copies of the reports for any masts free of charge.Guidance
Radio Waves and Health Information
The GCRA and 5G in Guernsey – our role and important contacts
The GCRA is an independent Authority with responsibility for telecommunications licensing and regulation in Guernsey.
The GCRA does not set policy, which rests with the States of Guernsey. It is for this elected Assembly to decide if, for example, 5G technology should be introduced in Guernsey. It is then our role to issue licenses in accordance with that policy and to ensure that telecoms operators meet all of the terms of their license, including the agreed emissions levels from mobile telephony masts.
States of Guernsey telecoms policies
https://gov.gg/article/165840/Guernseys-first-ever-Telecoms-strategy-published
It is recognised, however, that there is considerable public interest in 5G technology. Working with the appropriate States Department in Guernsey, and our partners at Ofcom and other internationally recognised Authorities, we are compiling a library of content about 5G. We hope this will help inform and stimulate public debate around this new technology.
This library is not exhaustive and the GCRA does not express a view on any of the content. We welcome suggestions for articles or reports which are from accredited or internationally recognised organisations or individual experts to be added. As a guide we would expect any suggested inclusion to be peer-reviewed or to have been published in professional medical or technical journals.
The GCRA will not amend, abridge or edit in any way the content on this site.
Anyone wishing to express support or concerns about 5G technology should address their views direct to the appropriate Government Department, or to their individual political representatives. We have listed below some useful links.
The GCRA cannot respond to questions about policy.
We hope you find this resource useful.
The GCRA & Ofcom:
The GCRA works extremely closely and to the same standards as Ofcom (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/home) and the following link provides a significant amount of advice regarding: Mobile phone base stations: radio waves and health
The link below explains how the claims that 5G technology is connected to, or responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic are wrong; there is no scientific basis or credible evidence for them :
Exposure to electromagnetic fields - Ofcom
Recent Media Reports:
https://gsy.bailiwickexpress.com/gsy/news/phone-mast-radiation-all-safe-levels/#.XdfsgS-cZmC
https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2019-08-08/what-is-5g-and-why-are-some-people-worried/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-48616174
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/is-5g-safe-for-your-health-11732308
UK health experts rebut fake news suggestions of link between 5G technology and Covid-19: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/52168096
Other Reference Links:
5G mobile technology: a guide - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) : 2020 Updated ICNIRP (RF EMF) Guidelines
iWireless Solutions Health & Safety Mast Emissions Project : CICRA Mast Audit Process
iWireless : Summary Report of the 2019 Channel Islands Mast Emission Audits
Guidance from Gov. UK : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/5g-technologies-radio-waves-and-health/5g-technologies-radio-waves-and-health
Link to the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection: https://www.icnirp.org/en/about-icnirp/structure-membership/index.html
Environmental Health Trust - Worldwide Awareness on 5G : https://ehtrust.org
Cancer Council (NSW) - Do microwave ovens cause cancer, and other common myths about cancer : Cancer Council Australia
World Health Organisation - Environment Climate Change & Health (Base stations and wireless technologies) : World Health Organisation – Electromagnetic fields and public health
States of Guernsey Public Health Service :
Anticipated effects on human health of 5G technology : 5G Consensus Statement
Link to States of Guernsey Health & Social Care page : https://www.gov.gg/hsc