New research projects welcomed by the Mobile Phone Industry

22 January 2004

The mobile phone industry welcomed the announcement today of funding for two further projects in the £7.36 million independent health research programme.

"The industry welcomes these new projects into risk perception and communication and human volunteer base station studies. This announcement emphasises the continuing commitment of industry and government to deliver a comprehensive research programme on mobile telecommunications and health.

“While the weight of evidence now available does not suggest that there are adverse effects from exposures to radiowave emissions below guideline levels, an independent research programme forms part of a precautionary approach to the issue,” said Mike Dolan, Executive Director of the Mobile Operators Association.

“There are around 50 million mobile phone users in the UK and mobile phones are a key part of business and personal life. The health and safety of our customers, employees and the public is of prime importance to the mobile phone industry,” he added.

An independent panel of scientists directs the programme and, as recommended by the Stewart Report, the role of the mobile telecoms industry is to provide 50 per cent of the funding.

Notes to Editors

1. The Mobile Operators Association (MOA), formerly the FEI, was set up to represent the five UK mobile phone network operators - 3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone - on radio frequency health and planning issues. The MOA website is www.mobilemastinfo.com

2. The mobile phone industry is contributing £3.68m to the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Programme

3. Companies contributing to the research programme include the UK network operators (3, O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone); companies that are members of the Mobile Manufacturers' Forum, MMF, (Alcatel, Mitsubishi Electric, Motorola, Nokia, Panasonic, Philips, Siemens, Sony Ericsson and Sagem); Cable & Wireless, Crown Castle International and The Carphone Warehouse.

4. Details of the research programme can be found at www.mthr.org.uk

5. For more information please contact Christine Jude 0207 331 2029, 07714 241924, email christinejude@ukmoa.org or Nicole Hughes 0207 331 2052, 07736 110787, email nicolehughes@ukmoa.org