MWF 5G Workshop at BioEM 2018: state of the art research and standardization

The first 5G Workshop organised by the Mobile & Wireless Forum (MWF) back in 2016 posed a number of questions related to exposures and compliance assessments above 6GHz. One of the aims of the BioEM 2018 Pre-Conference Workshop: EMF Exposure from 5G equipment – the state of art research and standardization therefore was to follow-up those questions in light of the research work that has been carried out over the intervening period.

The program for the 2018 Workshop was structured to begin with an overview of EMF exposure standards, discuss skin physiology, thermal responses of the skin and ocular studies moving onto discussions related to averaging times, and absorption mechanisms and finally specific challenges related to compliance standards and compliance assessments of devices and networks.

The agenda included the following presentations which can be accessed online:

• Mike Wood - Chairman IEC TC106 and Telstra Corporation, Melbourne, Australia: IEC 5G EMF Compliance Standards Development & EMF Exposure Assessment of Telstra’s 5G Trial Network
• Prof. Akimasa Hirata, Nagoya Institute of Technology; Nagawa, Japan: EMF Exposure Limits above 6 GHz
• Dr Chung-Kwang Chou, IEEE/ICES TC95 Chairman and C-K. Chou Consulting Dublin, CA, USA: EMF Exposure of the Skin at mmW Frequencies
• Prof. Masami Kojima, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Japan and Prof. Yukihisa Suzuki, Tokyo Metropolitan University: Ocular Studies of EMF Exposure at mmW Frequencies & Numerical dosimetry and mathematical model to estimate cornea damage
• Prof. Kenneth R. Foster, University of Pennsylvania; PA, USA: On the Averaging Time of Human Exposure at Frequencies above 6 GHz
• Dr Andreas Christ, Research Consultant, Cabo Frio (RJ), Brazil: EMF Energy Absorption Mechanisms in the mmW Frequency Range
• Davide Colombi, Ericsson Research, Stockholm, Sweden: Challenges in Standardization related to EMF Compliance above 6 GHz
• Dr Niels Kuster, Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT’IS), Zurich, Switzerland: EMF Compliance Assessments of 5G Devices
• Dr Walid El Hajj, Intel Corporation, Nice, France: EMF Compliance Assessment based on a Mixed Approach of Measurements and Numerical Simulations
• Dr Kun Li National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Tokyo, Japan: Human-skin Temperature Elevation by EMF Exposure at MMW and THz Frequencies 
• Prof. Yoshikazu Ugawa, Director, Department of Neuro-regeneration and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan: Thermal Sensation Threshold of Millimeter Waves in Japanese People

The MWF sponsored this Workshop to promote an understanding of the research and standards for 5G and as such the presentations from, and the views expressed by, authors do not necessarily represent the views of the MWF. Some of the research projects presented here were sponsored by the MWF and GSMA and again, the views are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of either the MWF or the GSMA.

e-Labelling: Moving compliance into the digital age

Wireless communication devices such as mobile phones and tablets, like many other electronic products need to comply with a large range of European regulations before they can be put on the market and require a number of markings to show compliance. The traditional requirements for compliance reporting and physical labels affixed to the device cost an enormous amount of money: EU companies in the computing, multimedia & telephony sectors pay €3.9 billion for compliance every year, with compliance information consuming up to 20% of that sum.

These are the findings of a study by economic and policy consultancy firm Valdani Vicari & Associati (VVA) who carried out a cost-benefits analysis of introducing an e-labelling scheme in Europe. e-Labels are an alternative form of providing compliance information, either electronically through embedding it in the software of devices with a built-in screen (or that can be connected to a screen) or through machine readable-codes, such as QR codes, for other products. e-labels offer greater security, accessibility and longevity of the compliance information (remaining in the device as opposed to a paper report that is stored far away from the device in use) while also streamlining and simplifying the delivery of the required information.

VVA’s study showed that the introduction of e-labelling would reduce the overall cost of indicating compliance by 15% for companies active in the EU, that three out of four companies questioned would opt for e-labelling if it was allowed and that they see a possible positive impact on innovation as well as a reduced environmental footprint of products.

To date, at least 13 countries in the world, representing 56% of the global economy and 50% of the world population, already allow the indication of regulatory compliance through an electronic label. In a second study, VVA analysed the introduction of e-labelling in three highly digital aware markets: Australia, Singapore and the US.

Their conclusions were:

• the introduction of e-labelling helps to respond to technological developments
• it already covers most electronic products in these countries without any adverse impact on market surveillance authorities, customs agencies or consumers. 
• it reduces environmental impacts by lowering waste and preventing the need for printing the physical mark on the product, and 
• e-labelling improves traceability and transparency, as compliance information is more easily available and remains within the product.

So, an easy step towards reducing operational costs, environmental impact, administrative hurdles and furthering innovation? Overall yes, but changing established procedures is never that easy. In this case, it will need the agreement of 28 market surveillance authorities to revise their routine of controlling the compliance of electronic devices and upgrade their internal proceedings to match technological developments, which in and of itself might be a worthwhile exercise.

Both studies were presented in June at an event hosted by MEP Anneleen van Bossuyt in the European Parliament.


Links:

Cost-Benefits analysis on the introduction of an e-labelling scheme in Europe: https://tinyurl.com/y7w6uphu

Research into e-labelling schemes outside the EU: https://tinyurl.com/yckqex38