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It should be noted that in some cases efforts to reduce the visual effect of the wireless network
            equipment  have  been  criticized  as  a  form  of  concealment  of  potential  health  risks.  Therefore,
            dialogue and openness should be ensured from the early stages of the process in order to address
            these concerns.

            9.7     Environmental impact assessment

            This Technical Report limits the discussion of  the environmental impact assessment to matters
            related to the siting of wireless network infrastructure. This section is based largely on the New
            Zealand Ministry of the Environment’s ‘National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication
            Facilities: Users’ Guide’ (Ministry of the Environment, 2009). This is a binding regulation and replaces
            certain rules in district plans and bylaws that affect the activities of telecommunications operators.
            Every local authority and consent authority in New Zealand must observe national environmental
            standards and must enforce the observance of national environmental standards to the extent their
            powers enable them to do so.

            Environmental impact assessment for telecommunication facilities may include:
                  assessment of compliance with national RF‐EMF exposure limits in areas that are reasonably
                    accessible to the public;
                  consideration for the protection of vegetation, and historic, amenity and coastal areas;

                  procedures for change of antennas and modifications to existing utility structures;
                  restrictions on the size and location of telecommunication cabinets;

                  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.


            10      Conclusions

            Wireless and wired networks provide the underlying connections that underpin smart sustainable
            cities.  Efficient  deployment  of  wireless  infrastructure  will  reduce  the  transmitted  RF  power  in
            providing services and support greater efficiency for ICTs.

            The design and deployment of wireless networks must also ensure compliance with the required
            quality of service as well as with standards and regulations on human exposure to radio frequency
            (RF) electromagnetic fields.
            Wireless and wired access technologies are used to support SSC applications such as smart meters,
            remote health care, and smart transportation and education. Availability of connectivity is essential
            to the operation of these services which in turn deliver environmental benefits, improved quality of
            life and reductions in operating costs.
            A range of different wireless technologies are used to support the ICT applications of SSC. The choice
            of a particular technology is influenced by factors such as range and data rate requirements. Short
            range  wireless  technologies  include  Bluetooth;  medium  range  includes  Wi‐Fi;  and  longer  range
            includes mobile technologies such as 2G, 3G and LTE. Each technology will have its own specific
            requirements  in  relation  to  the  siting  of  wireless  network  infrastructure.  However,  in  all  cases
            shorter operating distances allow for lower powers for both the wireless network and the SSC
            application.


            ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications                                                  635
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