- Electromagnetic wave is synchronized oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that propagate at the speed of light.
- Electromagnetic wave of visible or lower frequencies (i.e., visible light, infrared, microwaves, and radio waves) is called non-ionizing radiation, because its photons do not individually have enough energy to ionize atoms or molecules. The effects of these radiations on chemical systems and living tissue are caused primarily by heating effects from the combined energy transfer of many photons. Electromagnetic waves from common household appliances and cellular phones are examples of non-ionizing radiation. In contrast, high ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays are called ionizing radiation since individual photons of such high frequency have enough energy to ionize molecules or break chemical bonds. These radiations have the ability to cause chemical reactions and damage living cells beyond that resulting from simple heating, and can be a health hazard. Essentially, unlike the hazardous ionizing radiation from nuclear waste and atomic energy, electromagnetic waves from cellular phones and base stations do not pose any dangerous health hazardous radiation.
Environmental Sustainability
Electromagnetic wave
To directly address public concerns over electromagnetic fields, FET continues to participate in the "Base Station Work Group" formed by the Taiwan Telecommunications Industry Development Association (TTIDA), whose membership include the NCC and fellow telecom operators. FET also continues to advocate and communicate on the issue of electromagnetic fields as a way of reducing safety and health concerns from the public on electromagnetic fields from base stations.
Base Station Management Regulations and Community Impact Assessment
FET actively engages in communication with stakeholders and has a well-defined stakeholder communication policy. Upon evaluation, it has been determined that the most critical local stakeholders for Far EasTone are the residents surrounding the base station communities. Therefore, a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan has been established for these community residents. The plan includes: community impact assessments, provision of clear communication channels, enhancement of communication skills, regular review of communication methods, tracking of complaint outcomes, and regular confirmation of emerging issues. This communication plan is applicable to all operational locations.
- Conducting a local stakeholder or community impact assessment:
Before evaluating the installation of base stations and antennas, FET will adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) for constructing and dismantling new base stations. The evaluation process includes multiple assessment criteria specified by regulatory authorities, as well as assessments of local stakeholders, community impact, and biodiversity. Once the station construction assessment is approved, a "Radio Frequency (RF) Coverage Report" must be submitted as part of the SOP control process. This report not only considers the network coverage requirements for new stations, but also evaluates the integration of existing antennas from other operators.
According to FET's identification results, the construction of base stations and antennas has a significant impact on the local community, particularly in terms of the visual impact caused by the number of antennas. As a result, FET will collaborate with other operators to consolidate and co-locate antennas, aiming to reduce the number of equipment and antenna installations and minimize the visual impact on the public. Additionally, they will actively improve the aesthetics of the surrounding landscape near the base station antennas, integrating them harmoniously into the regional environment. Therefore, during the construction of 5G platforms, FET will communicate with the owners of the local buildings or land where the platforms are located. After obtaining mutual agreement, FET will proceed with the construction of new 5G and the consolidation or introduction of multi-band 4G antennas, reducing the number of base station antennas. In highly sensitive areas, new small-sized or high-performance antennas will be used in conjunction with beautification projects for newly built platforms. In the year 2023, a total of 2,053 base station antenna consolidation projects were executed, with an approximate total expenditure of NT$36.58 million.
- Establish clear communication channels with local stakeholders or communities:
FET establishes clear two-way communication channels with local stakeholders/communities and announces them on its official website. If stakeholders/the community have any concerns regarding the potential impact of FET's operations, they can provide feedback by leaving a message directly on the official website, sending an email, or calling the customer service hotline.
In addition, FET remains an active participant in the Base Station Working Group of the Taiwan Telecommunication Industry Development Association (TTIDA), which includes the National Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications operators. The company actively promotes awareness and communication regarding electromagnetic waves emitted by base stations to the public. The public is also encouraged to share their ideas and opinions with the working group and engage in communication and coordination.
- Enhancing communication capabilities with local stakeholders or communities:
In order to foster mutual understanding and ensure that communication with local residents is based on a shared level of knowledge, FET actively provides services for measuring and explaining electromagnetic waves in homes. It also collaborates with the supervisory offices of the National Communications Commission (NCC) and the Taiwan Telecommunications Industry Development Association (TTIDA) to communicate and coordinate with village chiefs and community development associations involved in the measurement process. With the consent and approval of the applicants, we conduct promotions and explanations of electromagnetic waves, inviting relevant government agencies and experts to disseminate accurate knowledge based on the scale of the operation. On-site, we utilize scientific instruments, actual measurement data, and other methods to enhance local residents' understanding of electromagnetic waves, thereby alleviating their health and safety concerns regarding base station electromagnetic waves. This ensures that local residents have the means to communicate their health and safety concerns with FET. This year, a total of 54 public electromagnetic wave promotion events were held, including 7 events by TTIDA, at a total cost of NT$219,040.
- Regular surveys/reviews of stakeholders' or communities' perspectives on participation strategies:
FET consistently gathers and examines the viewpoints and perspectives of stakeholders through various communication channels. This allows us to continually enhance our stakeholder and community communication strategies. For instance, regarding the issue of base station installation, FET is keen to further understand whether the local community is satisfied with its communication efforts. After the information session, a post-meeting satisfaction survey is conducted to gather feedback. The suggestions collected are then taken into consideration for planning the next information session. Simultaneously, in 2023, FET handled 84 cell tower dispute incidents. Through activities such as public electromagnetic wave education meetings, the company gathered public opinions and concerns about the electromagnetic waves from cell towers. This feedback was used to continuously adjust and improve related strategies.
- Meeting with local stakeholders to identify emerging concerns:
To gain a better understanding of the perspectives of local stakeholders/communities, FET regularly engages in communication with community stakeholders through various public outreach events and collaborations with TTIDA. In addition to addressing the most pressing concerns regarding base station construction regulations, norms, and clarifications on electromagnetic waves and health, it is also important to utilize the aforementioned communication channels and activities to identify and resolve potential or emerging issues promptly. This will enable the development of optimal response strategies.
- Grievance Tracking Status:
FET has been consistently monitoring whether the grievances raised by community residents have been addressed. In 2023, to handle the aforementioned grievances through communication and advocacy meetings to clarify doubts or adjust the construction of the base station, there were a total of 51 grievances addressed (46 by TTIDA and 5 independently by FET). The main issue raised was regarding the electromagnetic wave measurement service of the base station. FET has properly handled all accepted cases, appointing measurement manufacturers certified by the competent authority (NCC) to carry out measurement explanations and on-site measurements according to measurement standards. Upon completion of the measurements, the reports were submitted to the NCC for record-keeping. The NCC then responded to the complainants. The handling of these cases achieved a 100% success rate.
Electromagnetic wave
What is electromagnetic wave?
Does the base station's electromagnetic wave have any impact on human health?
- Base station electromagnetic waves do not release free radiated waves ( reference Q1 what is electromagnetic wave ? ), so it has no hazardous effects on human health. For example, the electromagnetic waves in radio stations and wireless television stations are all non-ionizing radiation and do not pose any danger on human health.
- Base station power is tremendously attenuated by the air and surrounding buildings. It has very little power that directly contacts with the human body. For example, the transmit power of a base station is often less than the power of wireless ADSL due to air consumption and building blockage into households. So sometimes we cannot get signals at home when using the cell phone, but still can access wireless Internet through ADSL. However, the safety standard “SAR”, recommended by the Taiwan's International Commission, following the standard by Non-Radiation Protection and the World Health Organization, should not exceed 2.0 W / Kg. (SAR is based on how much the human body absorbs electromagnetic waves, and the unit is how many watts per kg.)
- The mobile phone usually directly touches our hands, our faces, our ears, and our skin. The electromagnetic wave of the mobile phone has direct contact with the human body. The mobile phone is much closer to the human body than the base station. However, the frequency of the mobile phone is also a non-ionizing radiation wave and thus has no impact on human health. The current general measured value of mobile phones SAR, depending on brand and model, is about 1.83W / kg to 0.016W / kg and is within the standard value.
What is the unit of measurement of electromagnetic waves?
- The units of measurement for electromagnetic waves are: watts “W”, milliwatts “mW”, and microwatts “μW”.
- Watts (W) is the unit of power, refers to the energy emitted per unit. 1 watts = 103 milliwatts = 106 microwatts.
- The frequencies of a cellular base station are microwave (MW) and radio waves. The frequencies are usually measured as the power density of a plane wave, typically written in μW / cm2 (microwatt / cm2).
What are the common electromagnetic wave applications in daily life?
- Radio waves are at the lowest range of the EM spectrum, with frequencies of up to about 30 billion hertz, or 30 gigahertz (GHz), and wavelengths greater than about 10 millimeters (0.4 inches). Radio is used primarily for communications including voice, data, and entertainment media. For example, when you take a taxi, you can hear the radio contact, the Bluetooth earphone for driving, the wireless helper that picks up phone calls, and so on, which are all common electromagnetic wave applications.
- Microwaves fall in the range of the EM spectrum between radio and IR. They have frequencies from about 3 GHz up to about 30 trillion hertz, or 30 terahertz (THz). They have wavelengths from about 10 mm (0.4 inches) to 100 micrometers (μm), or 0.004 inches. Microwaves are used for high-bandwidth communications, radar and as a heat source for microwave ovens and industrial applications.
- Infrared radiation is in the range of the EM spectrum between microwaves and visible light. IR has frequencies from about 30 THz up to about 400 THz and wavelengths of about 100 μm (0.004 inches) to 740 nanometers (nm), or 0.00003 inches. IR light is invisible to human eyes and, we can feel its heat if the intensity is sufficient. For example, TV remote control, cold weather heaters, leisurely travel card for traffic and shopping, are all infrared applications.
- Ultraviolet light is in the range of the EM spectrum between visible light and X-rays. It has frequencies of about 8 × 1014 to 3 × 1016 Hz and wavelengths of about 380 nm (.000015 inches) to about 10 nm (0.0000004 inches). UV light is a component of sunlight and; it is invisible to the human eye. It has numerous medical and industrial applications, but it can damage living tissue. The X-ray has frequencies of 1017 ~ 1018HZ electromagnetic waves. It has the properties of penetrating substances and is often used for medical examination. Therefore, doctors can see inside the human body.
Will electromagnetic waves interfere with the function of home appliances?
It will not interfere with the function of home appliances. Base stations and various types of household appliances use different frequencies and, it will not cause interference problems.
Is the power of the base station electromagnetic wave high or low?
The power of the base station electromagnetic wave is low.
- Our mobile network is based on the cellular network system. The system is composed by many sub-areas, and each of the sub-areas is served with one base station. The base station's antennas keep service at low power and the proper distance between the systems allows other base station antennas to reuse the same radio resource.
- When the system adds many new base stations, the service area of a base station is smaller. Base station output power, thereafter, will also be decreased. Therefore, in a high-density metropolitan area, the smaller the service area is, the lower the transmission power.
Can the electromagnetic waves from the base station cause environmental pollution?
No, it does not cause environmental pollution. According to the press by the EPD (Environmental Protection Department) on April 25, 2000, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the base stations are definitely non-ionizing radiation. (reference Q1 what is electromagnetic wave ? ) The EPD also assign studies to the relevant academic research institutes. All the studies are shown: the electromagnetic waves of the domestic base station are below the international standard. The human body will not be harm. Therefore, the domestic base station is not listed as factors of environmental pollution.
If the people have electromagnetic annoyance, how to do they apply for measurement?
- The base station electromagnetic waves are restricted by our government. To know if the waves are over standard, a third party legally licensed by our government is required. Usually, a third party measures waves with professional equipment, and the results must be compared with standard SAR value.
- The National Communications Commission also provides free base station wave testing services to public at the phone no. 0800-580-010.
For more information on electromagnetic waves, where can I refer?
We recommend the following agencies and institutions on electromagnetic waves related information: