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The FCC wireless telecommunications programs and
policies include: cellular telephones; paging; personal communications
services (PCS); public safety; and other commercial and private
communications services. Visit the new
consumer information Web site about wireless phones, hosted by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and the FCC.
Our most commonly asked questions about wireless
telephones are:
What are wireless phones?
Wireless telephones are hand-held phones with built-in antennas, often
called cell, mobile, or PCS phones.
How do they Work?
When you talk into a wireless telephone, it picks up your voice and
converts the sound to radiofrequency energy (or radio waves). The radio
waves travel through the air until they reach a receiver at a nearby base
station. The base station then sends your call through the telephone
network until it reaches the person you are calling.
When you receive a call on your wireless telephone, the message travels
through the telephone network until it reaches a base station close to
your wireless phone. Then the base station sends out radio waves that are
detected by a receiver in your telephone, where the signals are changed
back into the sound of a voice.
How can I check the RF level of my phone?
Manufacturers of wireless phones must report the RF exposure level for
each model of phone to the FCC. The FCC website (http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety)
gives directions for locating the FCC identification number on your phone
so you can find your phone’s RF exposure level in the online listing.
What is considered a safe level?
All wireless phones sold in the United States meet government
requirements that limit their RF energy to safe levels. The relative
amount of RF energy absorbed in the head of a wireless telephone-user is
given by the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). The FCC requires wireless
phones to have SAR levels no greater than 1.6 watts per kilogram.
What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency energy
from my wireless phone?
If there is a risk from these products--and at this point we do not
know that there is--it is probably very small. But if you are concerned
about avoiding even potential risks, you can take a few simple steps to
minimize your exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key
factor in how much exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time
spent using a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.
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If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every
day, you could place more distance between your body and the source of
the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with distance.
For example, you could use a headset and carry the wireless phone away
from your body or use a wireless phone connected to a remote antenna
Is there any evidence that cell phones cause cancer?
There is no scientific evidence that proves that
wireless phone usage can lead to cancer or a variety of other problems,
including headaches, dizziness or memory loss. However, organizations in
the United States and overseas are sponsoring research and investigating
claims of possible health effects related to the use of wireless
telephones. The Federal government is monitoring the results of this
ongoing research, and the FDA is participating in an industry-funded
research project to further investigate possible biological effects.
I'm having billing problems with my cellular provider;
who can help me?
The FCC does not regulate contractual arrangements
with cellular providers, but does handle complaints about wireless
service.
More consumer information on wireless
phones
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