Fixed Wireless Radiation

Members of the ISP-Wireless list discuss dealing with customers' and regulators' fears about wireless radiation. Here's a hint: Wireless emits less than most cell phones.

[September 25, 2000]

On the ISP-Wireless list in September, BM asked,

"I have a borough manager who is unwilling to give us permission to put up a wireless link unless I can show him that it is not harmful to the residents of the town. Anyone know of a site or info I can use to put him at ease?"

A couple of respondents shared some official backup for BM's argument:

[BM added] "The FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#65 (OET Bulletin # 65) has the RF emission requirements for Part 15 transmitters as they relate to safe exposure to humans."

[MN explained] "You don't have to prove or show anything: just point him to the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov/wtb/siting/fact1.html which states that no law can be enacted that would prevent the placement of a tower based on environmental concerns. It's the Telecom Act of 1996, Section 704."

RB shared an extensive FAQ from the Medical College of Wisconsin entitled "Cellular Phone Antennas and Human Health", at http://www.mcw.edu/gcrc/cop/cell-phone-health-FAQ/toc.html#6, then he couldn't help but share a bit of the opposite perspective:

"Here's one that I had thrown in my face at a village council meeting by a resident tree-hugger. I'd been asked by the village manager to do an independent review of a PCS company's tower proposal and this was one of the reasons why she didn't want the tower there — essentially because it would confuse migratory birds:

ABC Letter on Tower Kills here."

Finally, MKS had the simplest answer:

"I just explain to people that the cell phone that they hold right to the side of their heads is 300mw and my radios are only 50mw. If they're going to have trouble it won't be from my stuff. There's six times more 'danger' from the cell phone than from the wireless internet."

—End