People around the world have adopted mobile phones like few other products in human history. When mobile phones were first introduced to the market in 1983 no one could have predicted the profound and far-reaching impacts that mobile and wireless communications would have on the world.
Yet with the technology constantly evolving at such a rapid pace, it is important to acknowledge that not everyone has been entirely happy about these developments. For example, public concern has existed about whether the radio signals from mobile phones and other wireless devices have any impact on our health. For those living near base stations, there are many who have welcomed the greater connectivity and speed that such developments allow, although there are some who have also been concerned about the constant exposure to yet another radiofrequency source in their environment.
The telecommunications industry takes these concerns seriously and while the benefits of the technology are clear, industry must ensure that any concerns are addressed through open and transparent information, as well as independent quality scientific research that paves the way for health authorities and governments around the world to provide the best available advice to the public.
The Mobile & Wireless Forum’s role in this area is to support such research and help contribute to the development of standards for the industry to use to ensure compliance of the various products and services, thus allowing people to enjoy the full benefits of the technology. As part of the 20th anniversary of the association, we have summarized our research efforts in a new booklet. In the booklet, you will find an overview of the international research agenda, the main bodies involved in reviewing the scientific evidence, key issues and terms explained and discussed as well as details on the MWF’s research programs. You’ll also get an understanding of the work currently underway on new compliance methodologies for future 5G devices and the development of new technical standards.
The booklet concludes with a summary of where we are in terms of knowledge and understanding after 20 years of research, and the lessons learned ranging from societal impact to the public understanding of scientific research.
You can download “20 Years of Research” from the MWF website.
Monday, August 27, 2018
Monday, August 6, 2018
e-Labeling: Moving compliance into the digital age
Recently, economic and policy consultancy firm Valdani Vicari & Associati (VVA) undertook two studies investigating the introduction of an e-labelling scheme in Europe. These studies showed many benefits for consumers, market surveillance authorities as well as industry – and from the three countries examined as case studies – there are no downsides associated with its introduction. From VVA’s reports, we produced the following infographic summarizing the key findings:
(The picture shows the infographic, which can also be downloaded from http://www.mwfai.org/docs/eng/MWF_E-Labelling_Infographic.pdf)
The advantages of e-labelling in terms of cost savings, reduced environmental impact, improved traceability and transparency seem undeniable and three out of four companies active in the EU and questioned on whether they would opt for e-labelling if it was allowed, confirmed that they would welcome it.
It is for all the above reasons that we believe that e-labels represent a smart approach for the smart age.
You can download the infographic from the mwfai.org site: http://www.mwfai.org/docs/eng/MWF_E-Labelling_Infographic.pdf
For further information, have a look at the press release on the publication of the studies:
http://www.mwfai.org/docs/eng/MWF_18_06_21_PR_eLabelling_Europe_links.pdf
The advantages of e-labelling in terms of cost savings, reduced environmental impact, improved traceability and transparency seem undeniable and three out of four companies active in the EU and questioned on whether they would opt for e-labelling if it was allowed, confirmed that they would welcome it.
It is for all the above reasons that we believe that e-labels represent a smart approach for the smart age.
You can download the infographic from the mwfai.org site: http://www.mwfai.org/docs/eng/MWF_E-Labelling_Infographic.pdf
For further information, have a look at the press release on the publication of the studies:
http://www.mwfai.org/docs/eng/MWF_18_06_21_PR_eLabelling_Europe_links.pdf
Friday, August 3, 2018
What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks which will be a significant evolution from today’s 4G LTE networks.
5G is being designed to meet the very large growth in data and connectivity of today’s modern society, the internet of things with billions of connected devices and tomorrow’s innovations.
How does 5G work?
Like prior generations of telecommunications, 5G uses radio waves or radio frequency (RF) energy to transmit and receive voice and data connecting our communities. 5G will use different frequencies designed to allow greater capacity compared to current mobile technologies.
5G will first work in combination with existing 4G networks. Base stations will be upgraded and many smaller antennas will supplement the existing network and provide more capacity. The transition for consumers will be seamless. Future devices will be 5G capable and will then connect to 5G networks whenever available, using 4G networks in between.
More capacity and faster reaction times – what for?
5G technology provides additional capacity, faster connections and a very fast response time of as little as 1 millisecond. To put that into context, 4G already provides response times of 30 milliseconds while the human mind perceives everything under 100 milliseconds as instantaneous (1).
These technological advances open the door for ever more refined services: real time information in traffic, remote monitoring of patients, super accurate location services for emergency services and navigation, autonomously driving vehicles, smart homes and cities.
When will we be able to use 5G?
5G networks are currently being trialed in many pilot projects around the world, with commercial launches expected in 2020 and widespread availability of 5G expected around 2025.
More information and details about 5G
If you are interested in more information about 5G or how it will work have a look at the brochure “5G and EMF Explained”.
(picture of the EMF Explained 5G brochure)
EMF Explained Series
The EMF Explained Series provides information on mobile technology and Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) referencing international health authorities, government, academia and the telecommunications industry.
The EMF Explained Series has been developed by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) in association with the GSMA and Mobile and Wireless Forum (MWF).
The 5G and EMF Explained brochure can be downloaded here:
(1) How fast is real time? Human perception and technology. https://www.pubnub.com/blog/how-fast-is-realtime-human-perception-and-technology
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