Enniskillen has lowest mobile mast emissions in UK

Mobile phone masts readings in Enniskillen have been found to be the lowest in UK, according to a government survey.

The government study examined mobile phone masts on 109 sites across the UK, looking at 82 schools sites and 27 hospitals.

The study showed, amongst other things, that Enniskillen Model Primary School had the lowest reading in this year’s report at more than 19 million times below the guidelines.

Overall, readings of emissions from mobile phone masts throughout the UK were well below international guidelines.

However, the government announced the continuation of the study in 2003.

Stephen Timms, Telecoms Minister, said: “We are aware of public concerns and it is important to give the public the information they need. These results continue to show that exposure levels of the public are well below recommended limits.

“In 2003 it is likely there will be more mobile phones than fixed lines in the world, and with more than 45 million mobile users in the UK alone sending more than 45 million text messages a day, mobile phones are part of our everyday life.

“Mobile masts are the foundations on which this communications revolution is built. This audit of mobile masts will continue in 2003, looking at schools and hospitals, before extending the study to other potentially sensitive sites."

The Minister urged the mobile phone industry to work closely with communities and each other when putting up masts and base stations to lessen any impact on communities, and share infrastructure where possible.

"Building public confidence is essential to building a strong future for the industry," he added.

(MB)