EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Monitoring
Under the Communications Act 2006, the GRA is responsible for the management of the radio spectrum in Gibraltar. Since 2003, the GRA has implemented a national measurement programme to ensure that electromagnetic fields (“EMF”) from cellular base stations do not exceed the recommended International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, a standard adopted by His Majesty's Government of Gibraltar.
In order to better the efforts to ensure that radio transmitters, including next generation mobile network antennas are compliant with the ICNIRP guidelines, the GRA has invested in equipment to continuously monitor EMF levels throughout Gibraltar in the frequency band 20MHz to 40GHz. The band includes all spectrum currently used for mobile telephony, radar, Wi-Fi and broadcasting services, both locally and from neighbouring countries. For a comprehensive list of permitted services in this frequency range, please refer to the GFAT (Gibraltar Frequency Allocation Table).
The equipment initially consists of four fixed monitoring units, an indoor deployable unit (for use inside buildings), and a handheld portable unit to measure EMF at any location around Gibraltar. The fixed and deployable units monitor EMF levels in real time in the bands 20MHz to 40GHz and automatically upload the information onto a publicly available portal, which displays information on the locations of the fixed monitoring units and EMF measurements, accessible here.
Radio Emission EMF Spot Measurements
At the request of members of the public and for compliance purposes, additional spot checks are also carried out using the handheld portable unit operating in the same band. The results of these spot checks are made public below.
The ‘EMF Guide mobile app’ from the International Telecommunications Union (“ITU”) accessible here , also provides the public with reliable and clear information on the behaviours of EMF, along with internationally agreed mechanisms for EMF management.
If you require any further information or are concerned about EMF levels in your area, please email radio@gra.gi.
Incident report conclusion: 2/November/2023
During the storms of 19th October 2023, high winds caused catastrophic failure of the fixing bolts of the fiberglass pole holding the FMU located at West Side School. The strong winds shifted the FMU from its vertical position, to horizontal behind a brick wall, obstructing a clear path for reception of radio waves in the area. This caused a significant drop in the values recorded. The equipment was relocated and measurements are now consistant with values before the incident.
Site Audit Conclusion: 07/July/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 14/April/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Incident report conclusion: 21/March/2023
As a result of our investigations and redeployment of a fixed monitoring unit (FMU), the GRA is confident that the large increases in EMF recorded in the period 05/03/23 - 06/03/23 were the result of defective equipment.
Site Audit Conclusion: 16/March/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 10/March/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 03/March/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 21/February/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 16/February/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 13/February/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 03/February/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 20/January/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 13/January/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 06/January/2023
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 02/December/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 25/November/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 11/November/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 04/November/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 28/October/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 21/October/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 10/October/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 30/September/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 23/September/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 16/September/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 09/September/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.
Site Audit Conclusion: 02/September/2022
Measurements conducted reflect the EMF at the prevailing locations were all well within the ICNIRP guidelines. No follow up investigation in the locations below was required.