The government of the Brussels Capital Region has approved an increase in local radio frequency emissions, making it possible for 5G services to go ahead in the Belgian capital. The maximum limit will increase to 14.5 volts per meter, from the current 6 V/m. This covers mobile networks, as well as radio and TV antennas.
The approval follows an earlier recommendation from a consultative committee made up of residents of the region. It also comes after a warning from regulator BIPT that 4G networks may start becoming congested if the strict RF limits were not relaxed, in order to allow for network expansion and 5G.
As 5G will lead to an increase in the overall non-ionising radiation, and its unclear still what the impact of this is on people and the environment, the Brussels region is keeping the local limits still at the lowest level in the country. It also remains well below the WHO recommended maximum of 41 V/m.
The ordonnance, expected to follow in September, will include plans for public awareness campaigns and regular measurements of the network emissions and energy usage, in order to monitor the effects. The specific requirements for mobile infrastructure will be included in the new regional urbanism law and permitting rules.
The government said it also aims to take a decision by year-end on a harmonsied tax system for antennas across the municipalities in the region.
