Information provided by the federal states
Mobile communications is a basic technology of modern society and an important factor in every region’s economy. Its infrastructure has to be accepted by the public.
Regional agreements increase cooperation between local authorities and mobile network providers
Apart from the existing national agreements, a number of state governments have concluded additional agreements with the mobile network providers to improve communication between operators and local authorities and to encourage the network’s growth.
The role of the federal states’ building regulations in the expansion of the mobile network
Many state governments have announced or passed amendments to their building regulations allowing the speedy expansion of mobile phone networks to meet growing demand. These developments also provide planning security for local authorities and mobile network operators.
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.
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.
Monitoring shows that mobile communications is safe
It is hard to imagine our lives without television, radio and mobile phones. Legislation controls the safe limits of the high-frequency electromagnetic fields these devices create. Despite the present boom on the mobile phone market, electromagnetic field values remain 1000 times below the legal limit.
What information does the site database offer?
The site database for local authorities is an important part of the Associations Agreement between German mobile network operators and the national associations of local authorities.
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.
Regular EMF measurements carried out by IZMF since 2003
The IZMF has been measuring mobile phone emissions in cooperation with the environment ministries or agencies of many federal states. These measurements provide data on the strength of electromagnetic fields in the immediate vicinity of GSM or UTMS base stations, the radiation characteristics of mobile phone antennas and how they affect the propagation of electromagnetic fields.
Which state laws and ordinances regulate mobile communications?
Operators are bound by a number of laws and regulations when setting up and operating mobile networks. In establishing these rules, the state’s aim is to guarantee the population’s protection from the electromagnetic fields that occur during the network’s operation.