What is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances?

Wireless technology has significantly advanced in recent years enabling many applications in addition to a traditional voice call over a mobile phone.  3G and 4G high speed data has transformed the mobile phone and wireless services available. 

In this section we look at the following wireless technologies.

• 3G  -  3G is short for third-generation mobile telephony and enabled multi media, video calling and the mobile internet.
   
• 4G LTE  -  4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) was the next major enhancement to mobile communications networks. LTE delivered mobile broadband and high speed data enbling a wealth of enhanced mobile applications including high definition video. 
   
• 5G - 5G is 5th generation of mobile networks, a significant evolution of todays 4G LTE networks.  5G will enable gigabit data speeds, provide significantly increased capacity and low latency connections.  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.  

  See also - How 5G Works

• WiMAX   -  WiMAX, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways.
   
• Wi-Fi  -  Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is the term used to describe high speed wireless connection over short distances between mobile computing devices such as laptops and the internet.
   
• Femtocells  -  Femtocells are low-power wireless access points that combine mobile and Internet technologies within the home and operate similar to a cordless phone.
   
• Bluetooth  -  Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range radio technology that uses radio frequency fields to transmit signals over short distances between telephones, computers and other devices. The technology offers simplified communication and synchronization between devices without the need for cables.
   
• DECT  -  DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication. DECT is a common standard for cordless telephones and is a radio technology suited for voice, data and networking applications in residential, corporate and public environments.  Many cordless phones used in residential homes use DECT technology.

Click here for an overview of radio communications in the community

What is WiMax?
Are there safety limits for exposure to radio waves?
Is WiMax safe - what do the experts say?
What about children?
Do WiMax devices comply with safety limits?
Where can I obtain further information?

What is WiMax?

WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.  WiMAX is a wireless metropolitan-area network standard primarily for broadband internet access.

WiMAX provides an alternative internet wireless access technology to broadband cables and digital subscriber lines (or DSL).  WiMAX networks enable a variety of options for broadband connections.  WiMax networks are essentially a larger version of a Wi-Fi network.

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Are there safety limits for exposure to radio waves?

Yes. WiMAX-enabled personal devices are subject to the same standards that are applied to other radio products such as mobile phones and their base stations. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the international standards such as ICNIRP, which governments and health agencies around the world have adopted.

The standards establish exposure limits to which products must comply and include substantial margins of safety to protect consumers and the general public.

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Is WiMax Safe – what do experts say?

WiMAX-enabled personal devices emit low levels of radio waves (also known as radiofrequency electromagnetic fields) when being used. The use of radio waves is a common part of a our everyday lives and provides the benefits and enjoyment of television and radio as well as an increasing range of wireless communications services.

In relation to radio frequency emissions and wireless technology and health, the general conclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) is;

“Despite extensive research, to date there is no evidence to conclude that exposure to low level electromagnetic fields is harmful to human health”
WHO - About Electromagnetic Fields – Summary of Health Effects Key Point 6

In relation to WiMax and Health, the conclusion from the World Health Organization (WHO) is:

Confirmed as current position in WHO RF and Health Presentation – ITU Workshop on EMF Turin May 2013  

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What about children?

The health and safety of children is of concern to all of us. Devices using WiMAX technology are subject to the safety standards endorsed by the WHO and other health agencies. Those standards take the safety of everyone, including children, into account by providing substantial safety margins.

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Do WiMAX enabled personal devices comply with RF exposure requirements?

WiMAX-enabled personal devices are evaluated to ensure that they conform to the RF safety limits adopted by agencies around the world. These evaluations are done in accordance with the various regulations and guidelines adopted or recommended by regulatory agencies around the world.

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Where can I obtain further information?

To find more information, please visit any of the following websites:

WHO [ www.who.int/peh-emf ]

ICNIRP [ www.icnirp.org]

Mobile Manufacturers Forum [ www.mmfai.org ]

WiMAX Forum [ www.wimaxforum.org ]

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Additional resources...

What is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless data over long distances in a variety of ways?

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