The digital technology used by modern mobile phone services supports more users, a greater range of services and improved privacy for conversations. Mobile communications devices generally work well with other electronic equipment. However, there are situations where there are common questions about compatibility.
The on-off nature of digital signals may cause interference to some electronic devices. The potential for interference decreases rapidly as the distance between the mobile phone and the electronic device increases. Higher frequencies of operation and lower transmit powers also tend to reduce interference.
Newer electronic devices usually offer better immunity against such interference. The GSMA has supported research on this subject.
At short range, the radio signal from a mobile phone may cause interference with electronic medical devices. At distances greater than 1-2m the possibility is substantially reduced. It is possible for mobile phones to be used in designated areas of hospitals, however, you should obey any warning signs and the instructions of hospital staff.
If you use electrical medical equipment in your home, we recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor or equipment supplier.
GSMA Resource: Potential for Interference to Electronics
Brands and models of cardiac pacemakers exhibit a wide range of immunity levels to radio signals. Therefore, people who wear cardiac pacemakers and who want to use a mobile phone should seek the advice of their cardiologist. If, as a pacemaker user, you are still concerned about interaction with mobile phones, it has been suggested by national health authorities that you:
- maintain a 15 cm (6 inch) separation between the phone and your pacemaker;
- do not hold your phone to your chest, e.g. don't carry the phone in a breast pocket;
- refer to your pacemaker product literature for information on your particular device; and refer to your phone product literature for the technical parameters of your phone.
Tests conducted by vehicle manufacturers show no interference effects on airbags, automatic braking or cruise control systems during normal phone use, despite some media reports to the contrary. It is possible that a mobile phone could cause an interference with vehicle audio and remote locking systems, but only if held close to the devices.
GSMA Resource: Potential for Interference to Electronics
The original recommendation to turn off mobile phones on aircraft was due to concerns about possible interference to networks on the ground from mobile phones flying overhead. In addition, it is standard practice on aircraft to turn off all types of radio transmitters and certain other electrical devices unless they have been demonstrated not to cause interference to aircraft systems.
Recent successful trials and commercial announcements have shown that of mobile phones can be used for voice, text anddata on aircraft fitted with specialist equipment. It all times we recommend that you obey airline instructions regarding the use of electronic devices and to be courteus to other travellers.
GSMA Resource: Potential for Interference to Electronics
The GSMA is unaware of any established link between radio signals from mobile phones or base stations and petrol station fires. In fact, a 2005 report for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau concluded that of 243 reported incidents around the world none was associated with telecommunication equipment, instead, many of the fires were ignited by the discharge of static electricity from the human body.
A seminar organized by the UK Institute of Petroleum in 2003 concluded that mobile phones presented a negligible risk. There may be more tangible hazards associated with the distraction of using a mobile phone while operating a petrol pump. The GSMA recommends that mobile phone users respect any safety instructions and follow any relevant advice given in their mobile phone user guides. See also the related position paper for more information.
GSMA Resource: Potential for Interference to Electronics.
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