Conflict over Electromagnetic Waves from Communication Base Stations... Revision of Guidelines for Apartment Complexes

Ministry of Science and ICT Revises Guidelines to Prevent Electromagnetic Wave Conflicts in Apartment Complexes

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 19th that it has partially improved the 'Electromagnetic Wave Conflict Prevention Guidelines for Apartment Complexes,' which it operates to address concerns about electromagnetic waves from mobile communication base stations and aesthetic damage.

Established in June 2017, the electromagnetic wave guidelines for apartment complexes target apartment complexes with 500 or more households where the installation of mobile communication base stations is mandatory for effective disaster response. The guidelines include disclosing base station installation locations before sale, comprehensive safety diagnosis of electromagnetic waves, installation of eco-friendly base stations, and holding resident briefings if necessary.

First, the revision adjusts the electromagnetic wave measurement locations mainly to community facilities considering residents' interest or the degree of electromagnetic wave exposure, and enhances residents' accessibility to the measurement results.

In the current electromagnetic wave measurement locations, which include the top floor units consenting to base station installation, the nearest units to ground base stations, senior centers, daycare centers, playgrounds, and underground parking lots, the underground parking lots with minimal electromagnetic wave exposure will be excluded, and shared facilities such as resident exercise facilities and reading rooms will be added as measurement targets.

Additionally, to improve residents' accessibility and convenience in using the electromagnetic wave measurement results, the results report will be posted on residents' online communities, and both the full report and a summary (Electromagnetic Wave Safety Diagnosis Certificate) will be provided.

The revision also includes strengthening cooperation with telecommunications companies and measurement specialized institutions (Korea Radio Promotion Association, Korea Communications Radio Promotion Agency) to collectively measure the electromagnetic waves of base stations from the three mobile carriers at the time of move-in to minimize residents' anxiety. Furthermore, when applying the guidelines to measure various spaces within apartment complexes, it will be recognized as fulfilling the legal obligation under the Radio Waves Act to measure electromagnetic wave intensity of wireless stations installed in the apartment complex.

This revision was promoted to improve operational efficiency as the application cases of the guidelines are expected to increase significantly with the full-scale completion of large-scale apartment complexes approved for construction in the second half of this year.

The Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "Considering the ongoing conflicts surrounding the installation or removal of mobile communication base stations within apartment complexes, the need for substantial operation of the electromagnetic wave guidelines has increased," and added, "We will continuously monitor and improve the effectiveness of the guidelines to minimize electromagnetic wave concerns while ensuring residents' rights to use mobile communications."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.