Electromagnetic environment created by mobile communication base stations in the 5G pilot area

Introduction. In the context of 5G system integration for general public, the change of electromagnetic field background is expected. The electromagnetic field background will change in spectral composition, spatial and temporal distribution, which affects the methodological approaches of instrumental control and hygienic assessment. Materials and methods. In the 5G pilot area the frequency-selective, code-selective and broadband measurements were carried out for the actual and possible electromagnetic field assessment from GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G/IMT-2020 base station at several points. Results. The research results have shown that the actual electromagnetic levels did not exceed 1.5 μW/cm2, the main part of actual (measured) level includes GSM and LTE base stations (1800 MHz). At some points, the main part of maximum possible electromagnetic field exposure did not exceed 8.5 μW/cm2 and created by the 5G/IMT-2020 traffic transmission beam from base station to the subscriber terminal. Limitations. The limitation of study is determined by the measurement conditions of 5G/IMT-2020 test operation modes in the pilot area, it is difficult to assess the actual EMF exposure from commercial networks user service. Conclusion. In the intensive progress of mobile communication, the frequency- and code-selective measuring instruments are necessary to improve approaches for instrumental control and evaluation for electromagnetic fields from various mobile communication, especially for 5G assessment.