Radio Frequencies

Following the consultation process undertaken during 2009, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has today published a Decision Notice regarding the assignment of spectrum in the 3400 – 3800 MHz band.

Vodafone has submitted an application for use of channels in the 11 GHz frequency band in order to provide fixed radio links.

The Malta Communications Authority (the Authority) notifies that it has received an application from Sky Telecom Limited (Sky Telecom) for the grant of rights of use of a radio frequency channel being made available for assignment by the Authority in connection with fixed radio links.

The purpose of this document is the articulation of the Government’s forward strategy with respect to the granting of access rights to scarce radio spectrum for the purpose of Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcasting (T-DAB), as well as the process that the MCA intends to adopt for the assignment of T-DAB radio spectrum.

Given that this document serves a dual purpose it should be construed as a joint Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications (MCMP) / Malta Communications Authority (MCA) document.

Should you require more technical data about our audits, or you need to know the absolute power values obtained, then you can contact MCA by e-mail on technical@mca.org.mt. 

Generally, yes. A shared site will have higher emission levels than single operator sites, although each operator might transmit at different power levels. However, shared sites are checked and certified for ICNIRP compliance and the resulting emission levels will still be below the ICNIRP guidelines. 

The power from most radio base stations is greater than that from a mobile phone handset (a mobile phone operates at 1-2 watts,a base station at between 2 and 150 watts). However, exposures from a handset will inevitably be higher because you are so much nearer to it. 

The level of 41 V/m referred to in the question is the maximum electric field exposure level for the general public to radiation at 900 MHz. The relevant reference level for radiation at 1800 MHz is 58 V/m. An alternative approach to measurement of radiation exposures at these frequencies used in local GSM transmission is the measurement of power density in Watts per square metre (Wm-2). The corresponding ICNIRP recommended public exposure levels are 4.5 (for 900 MHz) and 9 Wm-2.

When the radiation levels from antennae are within the safe operating limits, there is no need for any warning signs to be put up near the equipment.