The cellular base station nowadays

A cellular base station plays an important role in human-to-human communication these days. It is one of the basic elements of a cellular radio system. These stations are used to transmit and receive signals between mobile phones, computers and other devices that use cellular communication. Without cellular base stations, our communications could be impossible or unstable.

Cellular base stations have several important parameters to consider when locating them. Firstly, they must have high transmission power so that the signal can reach remote locations. Secondly, they must have a low level of interference so that the signals do not overlap and affect other communication systems. In addition, cellular base stations must provide high data transmission speeds and have a large capacity to handle large amounts of information.
One of the contentious issues surrounding cellular base stations is their operation at night. Some people have concerns about the stations' electromagnetic radiation, which can cause health problems.

Electromagnetic radiation is the electromagnetic waves created from the base station antennas. These waves can be created by natural and man-made sources such as the sun, electric wires, broadcasting, television and mobile phones. Although electromagnetic emissions can be beneficial in some cases, they can also pose a certain risk to human health. Therefore, the installation and commissioning of a cellular base station is a lengthy and controlled process that is subject to stringent regulations at the legislative level of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Installation works are monitored and controlled by special organisations, such as the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station.

Installation of a base station is permitted only after obtaining a Sanitary-Epidemiological Opinion on the design materials, which reflects the results of radiation calculations, indicates the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone and building restriction zone. The sanitary and epidemiological opinion shall be issued by the sanitary and epidemiological service. The main requirement for the location of base stations on any buildings and structures is to ensure maximum permissible levels of electromagnetic fields both indoors and outdoors (no more than 10 MkW/cm2). Base station antennas are directed in such a way that the main electromagnetic energy from them is collected in a thin beam and does not intersect with nearby houses.

Regarding station operation and radiation at night, it should be noted that the power of the base stations depends on the people talking or using the mobile internet at the same time in the coverage area of that base station. Consequently, the level of electromagnetic radiation is virtually zero at night. Many mobile phone providers regularly check the level of radiation from their base stations and take measures to reduce its harmful effects.

Chief Specialist of the Department
of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control
of Bostandyk District, Almaty
Yelepbergen Abilkasym Amanzholuly