Limit radio frequency exposure, NTA to ask telcos, ISPs
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, Jan 20: With the objective of minimizing health hazard caused by radiations and setting the standard for electromagnetic radiation (EMR) level for operators, Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) is preparing a guideline on health hazard due to wireless communication.
Studies have showed that exposure to EMR for a long time can cause heating effect on biological object resulting to health problems like fatigue, headache, difficulty in concentration, memory loss, skin problem, dizziness and difficulty in concentration, among others.
“Realizing that there is no clear guideline on such a crucial issue, we have floated a consultation paper to prepare the guideline,” Ananda Raj Khanal, acting chairman of NTA, said. “The guideline will help set the standard for the operators and to minimize health hazards.”
Khanal said the guideline will suggest safe radiation level for the operators.
The telecom sector regulator on Sunday sought opinion from telecom operators, Internet service providers, stakeholders and professional to contribute on the consultation paper before finalizing the draft.
Once enforced, the guideline will require the service providers to submit a report on adherence to the minimum EMR level within three months of the completion of each fiscal year. Similarly, it will require the operators to place warning signals wherever there is risk of potential exposure to EMR and on ways to minimize such risk.
According to NTA, it will also have the right to penalize the operator in case of non-compliance to the radio emission levels. “If any one is found affected due to high exposure to EMR, the authority has the right to make service providers provide compensation to the affected persons,” NTA officials said, adding that the regulator will also have the authority to shut down such systems which do not comply with the radio system standard of the guidelines.
Likewise, NTA is also hiring a consultant to set the guidelines for Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs). Khanal said the guideline on BTS so that it does not create any havoc during the time of natural disasters like earthquake.
According to NTA, the operators will have to retrofit the existing BTS and should compulsorily follow the standard while installing the new ones after the guideline is enforced.
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Limit Radio Frequency Exposure, NTA To Ask Telcos, ISPs
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