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 compliance with noise limits for telecommunication cabinets, air conditioning equipment
and diesel generators;
 consideration of visual effects of proposed wireless network equipment.

Wireless network equipment generally presents a low environmental impact, and therefore
requirements in this area should be proportionate and reasonable.

9.3 Schools, hospitals and similar community facilities

It is recognized that there may be community concerns or specific requirements for siting of wireless
infrastructure near specific facilities.
In regard to schools, hospitals, elderly care and similar facilities, Recommendation ITU‐T K.91( 2012)
states that with respect to human exposure there are currently no technical requirements for any
special consideration for locating base stations close to areas such as hospitals and schools. This is
due to the fact that existing exposure guidelines incorporate safety margins in the exposure limits
which are applicable to all locations. It also notes that good reception will result in lower
transmitting power for customer devices and, therefore, in lower exposure to the end user.

In the case of hospitals, there may be electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) questions related to
hospital equipment and wireless network infrastructure. ISO/TR 21730 (2007) provides guidance on
the use of mobile wireless communication and computing technology in health care facilities
including recommendations for electromagnetic compatibility with medical devices.

This guidance states the following:
‘RF emissions from in‐building system network antennas (WAN microcells or repeaters, LAN access
points) are most appropriately managed by locating them in a place where separation distance
mitigates medical device EMI effects, such as the roof of corridors and rooms.

RF emissions from base station sites physically located on healthcare facility roof‐top or building
structures should conform to existing national radio regulations to limit emissions directly into the
supporting building structure.’ (p. 14)

Most studies of interference have used mobile phones and other wireless equipment close to
pacemakers or other medical devices (Calcagnini et al., 2011; Iskra et al., 2007; Morrissey, 2004;
Tang et al., 2009; van der Togt et al., 2008). They have generally reported no interference at
separations greater than 1 to 2 m between the phone and the medical device. The separation is in
the order of 15‐20 cm for mobile phones and pacemakers. As indoor wireless networks typically
operate on similar powers to mobile phones, provided the antenna installation is ceiling or wall
mounted, interference is unlikely to occur.
Provided that the potential EMC issues are addressed, there is no reason to restrict the siting of the
antennas. In addition, measurements reported for femtocells indicate that mobile devices will
operate at lower power levels thereby reducing the risk of interference and resulting in lower
exposure from mobile devices (Boursianis et al., 2012; Zarikoff et al., 2013).

9.4 Access to public buildings and land

With the rapid growth and expansion of ICT systems, wireless networks need to maintain coverage
and service in order to meet community and service demand.
The use of existing public buildings, infrastructure and land to locate wireless network base stations
can provide an ideal solution to finding new suitable locations particularly in well‐established
communities and residential areas where the ICT systems are required. This approach could also

632 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications