Ofcom pumps up the volume for 3G networks

Ofcom has doubled the maximum power limit for 3G mobile phone operators base stations, from 62dBm to 65dBm - in old money, 1.5 kilowatts to three kilowatts, roughly the power of four microwave ovens.

More power is good, because it increases the range of a base station and improves the quality of calls and speed of data within that cell. More power can also be bad because it raises the chances of interference with adjacent transmitters - and Ofcom is charged with making sure that doesn't happen. However, having considered the requests from mobile operators for more power, it's happy to grant the upgrade.

Even at three kilowatts, the power output remains very modest compared to most broadcast radio and television transmitters. In fact, Ofcom was happy for another doubling to six kilowatts and suggested that this was available, but some operators thought the chance of interference then would be too great. Mobile phone interference is subtle and can drop data speeds and increase dropped call rates for no apparent reason. This has a multiple impact on operators - they lose call revenue and gain support calls.

Ofcom made this decision after a period of consultation, as is its wont. It said that even with the increases in power, the new levels fall well within established health and safety guidelines, and that it was keeping its existing limits on spurious emissions - the out-of-band radiation that all transmitters produce, and that can interfere with services on adjacent, and sometimes far removed, frequencies.