5G NR launching in Greece: Preliminary in situ and monitoring network measurements of electromagnetic fields exposure levels at rooftops

Abstract

In Greece, 5G New Radio (NR) has started launching in the end of 2020, at the 3400–3800 MHz (FR1) frequency band. Focusing on 117 Base Stations (BSs) which were already equipped with 5G NR antennas, in situ broadband and frequency selective measurements have been conducted at minimum three points of interest, at adjacent rooftops (when accessible). The points have been selected according to the sweeping method and the electric field strength (E) value has been stored on the selected worst-case scenario point. Spectrum analysis was conducted in the FR1, for the allocated spectrum that corresponds to each mobile communication provider, in order to get preliminary results concerning the contribution of the 5G NR emissions in the general public exposure levels. The vast majority of the in situ measurements has been conducted in urban environments from the beginning of 2021 until the mid of 2022, since in Greece 5G NR services launching started from the big cities. Additionally, a 5G NR BS, installed in a suburban environment (in the city of Kalamata) is thoroughly investigated during its pilot and regular operation, based on broadband and frequency selective measurements data derived by the National Observatory of Electromagnetic Fields (NOEF) monitoring sensor network. In situ measurement data within the 5G NR frequency range are verified via the NOEF's output. The 5G NR contribution to the total E-field levels is assessed in time, from pilot to regular operation of the BS. In all cases, compliance with the reference levels for general public exposure is affirmed.