26 October 2007
Senator Philip Ozouf, Minister for Economic Development, has completed the process to direct the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) to ensure that independent random testing of mobile telephone masts and base stations is undertaken to monitor radiation emissions.
The tests will take place annually for the first two years and thereafter every second year. The tests will be managed by the JCRA and paid for by the licensees. Subsequent reports will be made available to the Minister for Economic Development and the Health Protection Unit at the Health and Social Services Department.
The licensees will also develop and maintain a website, which will supply relevant and up-to-date information. This will include details on the location of masts, the results of the independent testing as well as information regarding the current international standards in respect of safe levels of emissions.
The Direction also states that members of the public should be able to make a complaint regarding levels of emissions of masts sited near their homes, but the actual testing scheme will be determined by the JCRA.
This is the first Direction the Minister for Economic Development has issued to the JCRA in relation to telecommunications and he sees this as a positive step forward to allay public concern. As Senator Ozouf says, “I am confident that this random testing will help to dispel some of the public’s safety fears. It is my intention to ensure that we keep everyone fully informed of current international standards as well as results of this random testing”
The Direction has been discussed with the JCRA and acknowledged by the Chairman of the Authority.
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