Deployment of Telecommunication Networks

What is it?

The deployment of Telecommunications Networks (Broadband, 4G, 5G etc and other communications infrastructure) is conducted by the Telecommunications Industry not by the City Council. 

Both the equipment and the deployment is regulated by OFCOM and other government and industry bodies in the UK. 

Electronic Communications Code

In addition, Glasgow City Council must comply with the new Electronic Communications Code which, under the Digital Economy Act 2017, replaces previously legislation and requires public (and private) authorities to work with the telecommunications industry to ensure the UK has robust and fit-for-purpose competitive digital infrastructure i.e. the Council is obliged by this legislation to work with the telecommunications industry in the deployment of telecommunication infrastructure, equipment and services.

This does not affect statutory and legislative processes in relation to planning, road safety and closures. 

Glasgow City Council relies on the regulator OFCOM to enquire, investigate and legislate on safety standards in relation to utilities, including mobile telecommunications.

Guidelines for Mobile Operators

Mobile operators in the UK design and build their masts, rooftop antennas and other installations to be compliant with the exposure guidelines in the UK that have been developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

These guidelines were prepared following a comprehensive assessment of all the peer-reviewed scientific literature, including thermal and non-thermal effects. The guidelines are based on evaluations of biological effects that have been established to have health consequences. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries adopt the ICNIRP guidelines. 

The WHO states that the main conclusion from its reviews is that EMF exposures below the limits recommended in the ICNIRP guidelines do not appear to have any known consequence on health.

As part of the process for obtaining planning consent for new 5G sites and upgrades, each operator will continue to confirm compliance with ICNIRP guidelines.  

Mobile Base Stations and Public Health

It should be noted that Public Health England have prepared a report, which has been recently updated to cover 5G.

In September 2019, the Scottish Government also issued advice, to read about this click here.