COAI against measuring radiation in mobile sets
COAI, the lobby of GSM-based telecom service providers, on Friday said any move by DoT to set up an assessment body for measuring radiations from mobiles.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: COAI, the lobby of GSM-based telecom service providers, on Friday said any move by DoT to set up an assessment body for measuring radiations from mobiles and base stations will be a "retrogade step" and will increase the costs for operators.
It is understood that the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT's technical arm, is contemplating setting up of a Conformity Assessment Body to measure radiation and provide certifications to operators.
In a written communication to Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura, COAI Director General T V Ramachandran said "we believe that such a measure would be a highly retrograde step as it would not only result in undue delays, duplications of efforts but would also add significantly to the costs".
He said the move is not desirable at a time when aggressive rollout at the most affordable tariffs is required.
TEC is also believed to be considering display of SAR (Specification Absorption Rate) on mobile phones through the menu options.
Most of the handsets sold in India comply with global emission norms, and their SAR values are displayed either in the device manual, or on the website of the mobile manufacturer. Hence the display of SAR values through menu options on screen is not required, he said.
However, COAI welcomed TEC decision of adopting the guidelines prescribed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which lay down basic restrictions and reference levels for limiting exposure to radiations from mobile base stations and handsets.
"We believe adoption of ICNIRP guidelines, which are already being followed in many countries... will go a long way in ensuring that the Indian mobile operators are in compliance with the international benchmarks," he added.
It is understood that the Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC), DoT's technical arm, is contemplating setting up of a Conformity Assessment Body to measure radiation and provide certifications to operators.
In a written communication to Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura, COAI Director General T V Ramachandran said "we believe that such a measure would be a highly retrograde step as it would not only result in undue delays, duplications of efforts but would also add significantly to the costs".
He said the move is not desirable at a time when aggressive rollout at the most affordable tariffs is required.
TEC is also believed to be considering display of SAR (Specification Absorption Rate) on mobile phones through the menu options.
Most of the handsets sold in India comply with global emission norms, and their SAR values are displayed either in the device manual, or on the website of the mobile manufacturer. Hence the display of SAR values through menu options on screen is not required, he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, COAI welcomed TEC decision of adopting the guidelines prescribed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, which lay down basic restrictions and reference levels for limiting exposure to radiations from mobile base stations and handsets.
"We believe adoption of ICNIRP guidelines, which are already being followed in many countries... will go a long way in ensuring that the Indian mobile operators are in compliance with the international benchmarks," he added.
Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
