Field simulation

Application for representing the level of the radiofrequency fields of mobile network antennas

How does the Associations Agreement improve dialogue about mobile network extensions?

In July 2001, the national associations of local authorities (German Association of Cities – DST, German Association of District Councils – DLT, German Association of Towns and Municipalities – DStGB) and the German mobile network operators agreed a joint approach to extending the mobile phone network.

How does the state protect the population from electromagnetic fields?

The German legislature clearly defines the legal framework for mobile communications. It has established exposure limits that control the emissions of mobile network installations and guarantee the public’s safety.

The German Federal Government and the German network operators provide 600,000 euro respectively to enhance public knowledge on mobile communications

Over the next two years the German Federal Government and the German network operators are allocating 600,000 euro respectively to provide more comprehensive information on the effects of mobile communications. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of their voluntary self-commitment, the German mobile network operators - E-Plus, Telefónica Germany, Telekom Germany and Vodafone Germany, reaffirmed their willingness to actively contribute to improvement of the acceptance of mobile communication technology.

Mobile network operators in consultation with local authorities and the public: Improving communication and participation

Communication between the mobile network operators and local authorities has improved noticeably since the Associations Agreement and the voluntary commitment have come into force. 85 percent of local authorities report that they only rarely, if ever, disagree over the location of sites for new mobile network installations. The communication and negotiation processes between local authorities and operators have in many cases become a matter of routine. This is apparent in the unbureaucratic way in which some sites are chosen.

The basis for cooperation between the mobile network operators and the local authorities is the Associations Agreement made in July 2001 between the six UMTS licensees and the national associations of local authorities. Its official title is “Agreement on information exchange and participation of local authorities in the expansion of mobile phone networks”. Because of this agreement, local authorities are better informed about mobile installations and the expansion of the mobile phone network in their area.

Mobile network operators provide information about mobile telephony, going beyond the measures stated in the Associations Agreement. The local authorities, for their part, organize information events and measure the electromagnetic fields (EMF) in their region in order to provide the public with information about the extension of the mobile network and about the EMF.

Main elements of the Associations Agreement

The goal of mobile network operators and the national associations of local authorities alike is deciding the location of mobile network sites by mutual agreement. Where a dispute arises, the decision should take into account the interests of both sides.

In practice, mobile network operators inform local authorities about their plans to build new mobile network installations and local authorities also present suggestions for potential sites. The operators undertake to give priority to these suggestions and evaluate them objectively.

Site database for mobile network installations

The site database for local authorities is an important tool. As part of the Associations Agreement, the network operators offer local authorities extensive information about existing mobile phone base stations. The Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway (Bundesnetzagentur) has set up a database for local authorities to look up existing sites.

Information service for local authorities

The IZMF Information Centre for Mobile Telephony also publishes a newsletter called “Dialog”, which provides local decision-makers with further information about mobile telephony. It contains information about current topics and offers local authorities a wide range of information to help them answer the public’s questions about the extension of the mobile phone network. The newsletter is published twice a year and can be downloaded from our website.

Mobile telephony module set for local authorities

The mobile telephony module set is a service offered exclusively to local authorities. The modules provide the municipalities with easy access to information about mobile telephony for their own websites. At www.mobilfunk-baukasten.de, local authorities can access information about subjects such as technology, politics and safety measures as well as health and environment. The individual modules consist of background information, graphs and pictures. All the elements can be downloaded, edited and then integrated into the municipality’s own website. The modules are available free of charge; the system only requires the registration of the municipality at www.mobilfunk-baukasten.de.

Information provided by local authorities for the public

Local authorities also offer information to the public about the extension of the mobile phone network by organizing information events, by measuring EMF levels in their area and publishing the results. Larger municipalities often offer this information on their websites.

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