India Doubles 5G Tower Radiation Limit, Aligning With International Standards

India is set to significantly relax limits on radiation from mobile network towers, a move that could accelerate the rollout of 5G technology across the country. The new regulations, slated to commence next month, will raise the permissible power density of a 5G base transceiver station (BTS) from 5 watts per square metre to 10 watts per square metre.

This increase could enable signals to travel farther, allowing operators to cover larger areas with fewer towers. Telecom companies have long pushed for higher EMF limits, arguing that stricter regulations have made 5G expansion more costly and complicated. India previously adhered to a limit of 1 watt per square metre, which was increased to 5 watts in the previous year.

The latest revision aligns the country with international standards recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Greater permitted emission levels could lower the number of new sites operators need to establish, potentially reducing capital expenditure while enhancing network coverage.

The relaxation is anticipated to be especially beneficial for Vodafone Idea, which is expanding its 5G network. Other major players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which have already deployed extensive 5G networks, may also gain from increased coverage using existing infrastructure. The revised limit is reportedly consistent with standards employed in approximately 137 countries, including prominent nations such as the UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

India initially followed the ICNIRP-based norms in 2008 but subsequently tightened them in 2012. Telecom companies contend that outdated standards suited for earlier generations of mobile technology are less appropriate for the demands of large-scale 5G deployment, leading the government to gradually ease the limits.