Telecom equipment safety

Telecommunication equipment — from mobile phones and Wi-Fi routers to 5G infrastructure — has become indispensable to modern life. Yet concerns persist around safety, particularly related to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, equipment reliability, and cybersecurity risks. Public debates are often amplified by misinformation, creating challenges for regulators and industries seeking to maintain trust while expanding connectivity.

The complexity of telecom equipment safety lies in addressing both real and perceived risks. Regulators must set evidence-based exposure limits, industries must demonstrate compliance and ensure reliability, and the public demands clear information about potential health effects. The rapid pace of technological change adds uncertainty, as long-term impacts of new systems are still being studied.

Risk sciences provide structured approaches to evaluate hazards, model exposures, and synthesize evolving evidence. They also help contextualize risks, distinguishing between plausible health effects and unfounded concerns. Risk communication plays a critical role, ensuring that technical findings are conveyed in ways that are accessible, credible, and responsive to public concerns.

RSI is committed to advancing telecom equipment safety, bringing expertise and experience to support science-based regulation and transparent communication in this evolving sector.