EMF Measurements in the Vicinity of Bts Cellular Stations of

Vodafone Albania
Olimpjon Shurdi 1, ,Bexhet Kamo 1,Algenti Lala 1
1 Polytechnic University of Tirana,Faculty of Information Technology

Abstract
The paper focuses on the field measurement, procedures, narration, and the used equipment. The
Vodafone Albania is one the thre mobile operators offering GSM services to the Albanian market. The
need of having an independent estimation of the EMF, in the nearby of the BTS Stations, drove the
Vodafone to refer to the electronic department of the UPT. The presented paper refers to the
measurements of only one of 150 measured sites. The methodology, and Equipments used are the
same in every site survey. The final report is published in the official website of the UPT, and linked
from the website of the Vodafone Albania.

Keywords: Electric field, magnetic field, Wandel-Goltermann, BTS (base transceivers station)

Introduction
Polytechnic University of Tirana (UPT) has expertise in the field of human exposure assessment to radio-
frequency fields. Work performed includes site surveys, numerical predictions (computer simulations) and
the interpretation and establishment of guidelines for limiting exposure. For the past three years UPT has
focused its efforts in this area on the assessment of human exposure to cell phone technologies.
These include measurements and numerical predictions of exposure to cell phones and base station
antennas. UPT publishes its research results in international peer reviewed literature and has written
numerous technical reports on base station site surveys performed on request from Vodafone AL
Vodafone AL has asked UPT to assist in a countrywide base station school site survey. The aim of the
survey is to measure the electromagnetic radiation on school grounds where Vodafone base stations have
been installed and to compare the measured results to the ICNIRP guidelines for limiting exposure.

Table 1 Glossary of term and abbreviations

BCCH Broadcast Channel.
dB Decibel.
GPS Global Positioning System.
ICNIRP International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
MHz Megahertz.
RF Radio-frequency.
W/m2 Watts per square meter.

The equipment used for the measurement in the survey is the Wandel&Golterman EME-300 probe
8.3.
Date of calibration is the 24.03.2009.Calibration was performed by Narda Germany. The calibrated
field strength measuring system Wandel &Golterman type EMR-300 consists of the following three
components:
• Field probe (type 8.3) to measure the electrical field strength
• Readout unit (EMR-300) in a separate case and connected through a fiber optical link with the
• Optical to serial interface
Technical data (according to manufacturer’s specifications)
Frequency range 100 KHz…3GHz
Field strength display range 1…600V/m.
The instrument can record and store instantaneous, maximum and mean values of electric and
magnetic field values. According to all European and International standards, the measured values in
the frequency range 100 kHz – 10 GHz should be expressed in any 6 minute time period. In the
measuring set up used, acquisition, storage and processing of the measurements data is controlled

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 1

with a portable pc via a double optical interface and special software. The duration of measurements
was six minutes for each quantity (electric and magnetic field strength and power density).

Figure 1. Picture of the BTS and Equipment, during the measurement

The acquisition and the storage of all measured values is controlled with a portable powerful PC which
controls the instrument via a special software (ETS-1 of Wandel –Goltermann), adjusting all functional
and measurement parameters. This computer system is using a double optical fiber interface to an RS
232 input and the abovementioned software package for acquisition, storage and processing of the
field values. The instrument is placed on a specially designed non-conductive wooden tripod and
measurements are taken in a height of 2 m above ground. The measurement procedures followed
were based on internationally established procedures for radio-frequency exposure assessment
together with policies and procedures, developed by Vodafone Al.
Measurements have been performed according to the following standards:
• “Measurement of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields – Field
Strength in the frequency range 100 kHz to 3 GHz”, EN 61566:1997, IEC 61566: 1997.
• “Measurement and evaluation of high frequency (9 kHz to 300 GHz) electromagnetic fields with
regard to human exposure”, IEC 61983, Draft, Ed.1.0, 02-04-2001.
• “Recommended practice for the measurement of potentially hazardous electromagnetic fields - RF
and microwave”, IEEE Standard No.C95.3-1991.

Table 2. Reference Values for GSM 900MHz Band

Electric Field Strength 41.25V/m
Magnetic Field Strength A/m 0,111 A/m
Power Density 4,5W/m2

Table 3. Reference Values for GSM 1800MHz Band

Electric Field Strength 58.34V/m
Magnetic Field Strength A/m 0,157 A/m
Power Density 9 W/m2

Table 4. Site information

Site Name: Vasil Shanto
Site Location: Tirane

Overall results from the monitoring stations

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 2

Technical staff of UPT trained in base station site surveys performed the measurements. The auditing
process undertaken by UPT involves the processing of measured results and ensuring that the measured
data reported is consistent with the typical radio-frequency field values that could be expected from
the type and number of transmitters and antennas installed at the site.
Table 5. Antenna and Transceiver Specifications
Parameter Sector 1 Sector 2 Sectors3
Frequency Bands GSM900 GSM900 GSM900
Antenna Make Celwave Cetwave Celwave
Antenna Type APXV90-1814B APXV90-1814B APXV90-1814B
Gain (dBi) 15.7 15.7 15.7
Number of Transceivers 2 3 3
Transmit Cower per Transceiver (W) 20 20 20
Losses (dB):Combiner /
Duplexer/Cable 2.8 2.8 2.8
Elevation Beam Width [Deg) 9 9 9
Azimuth Beam Width (Deg) 72 72 72
Electrical TIH Angle (vdown / -up) 8 8 8
Mechanical Tilt Angle (+down / -up) 5 0 3
Front to Back Ratio (dB) 26 26 26
Beam Direction from True North 50 170 280
Antenna Height above Ground 16 16 16
BCCH Channel Frequency (MHz) 941.6 945.6 944.2

The reported results provide information on the exposure at the specific location and the specific time
of the survey. Nonetheless, it can be concluded with confidence that, unless the site hardware
(transmitters and antennas) is changed, the results in this document represent the typical exposure
conditions present at the school ground. Furthermore, it can be concluded with confidence that the
exposure at any location on the school ground where children have free access is hundreds of times
below the ICNIRP guidelines for limiting exposure.

Table 6. List of areas where measurements were performed

Location Identity Description
P1 25m From tower, direction of sec A.
P2 40m From tower, direction of sec A.
P3 25 m From tower, direction of sec C.
P4 Corner of building 1, between sec C&B 5 m
P5 3 m , direction of sec A.
P6 2 m between sec B&C.
P7 2nd Floor building 4, direction of sec C.

Table 7. Position of P1
Measurement number 1
Location description 25m From tower, direction of sec A.
Location on map P1

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 3

Fig.2 –Map of the BTS relative position to the School and living area

Back yard A B
P P
P
School C
Building 1
Front yard P
P

P
Building 2 P
Building 4
Building 3
N

Figure 2. Map of the BTS relative position to the School and living area

Site Survey Results on different points

Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41, 25 V/m
varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

1.2
1
0.8
0.6 Series1
0.4
0.2
0
1 12 23 34 45 56 67 78 89 100 111 122 133 144 155 166 177
ko ha t

Figure 3 Graph from spectrum analyze data of Electrical field strength value versus time on the point
P1
Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m
varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

0 .0 8

0 .0 6

0 .0 4 Series1

0 .0 2

0
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 10 1 111 12 1 13 1 14 1 151 16 1 171
k o ha t

Figure 4. Graph from spectrum analyze data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point
P1

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 4

Table 8. Position of P2
Measurement number 2
Location description 40 m From tower, direction of sec A.
Location on map P2
Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41, 25 V/m
varesia e vleres efektive nga koha
e
tiv

1
fek

/m)
lerae

0.5 Eff
(v

0
v

1 16 31 46 61 76 91 106 121
koha

Figure 5. Graph from spectrum analyze data of Electrical field strength value versus time on the point
P2
Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m

varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

vlera efektive

0.015
A/m

0.01
Eff
0.005
0
1 16 31 46 61 76 91 106
koha

Figure 6. Graph from spectrum analyze data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point P2

Table 9. Position of P3
Measurement number 3
Location description 25 m From tower, direction of sec C.
Location on map P3
Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41, 25 V/m

vare s ia nga k oha e vle re s e fe k tive

1.7
vlera efektive

1.65
1.6
V/m

Series1
1.55
1.5
1.45
1 14 27 40 53 66 79 92 105 118 131 144 157 170
k oha t

Figure 7. Graph from spectrum analyze data of Electrical field strength value versus time on the point
P3
Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m
vares ia nga koha e vleres e fektive

0.05
vlera efektive

0.04
0.03
A/m

Series1
0.02
0.01
0
1 14 27 40 53 66 79 92 105 118 131 144 157 170
koha t

Figure 8. Graph from spectrum analyze data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point
P3

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 5

Table 10. Position of P4
Measurement number 4

Location description Corner of building 1, 5 m

Location on map P4
Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41, 25 V/m

varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

6
5
4
3 Series1
2
1
0
1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91 100 109 118 127 136 145 154 163 172
ko ha t

Figure 9. Graph from spectrum analyze data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point P4
Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m

varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

0.02

0.015

0.01 Series1

0.005

0
1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91 100 109 118 127 136 145 154 163 172
ko ha t

Figure 10. Graph from spectrum analyze data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point
P4

Table 11. Position of P5

Measurement number 5
Location description 3 m , direction of sec A.
Location on map P5
Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41, 25 V/m

varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

10
vlera efektive

9
V/m

Series1
8
7
1 13 25 37 49 61 73 85 97 109 121 133 145 157 169
koha t

Figure 11. Graph from spectrum analyze data of Electrical field strength value versus time on the
point P5
Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m
varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

0.03
vlera efektive

0.02
A/m

Series1
0.01

0
1 16 31 46 61 76 91 106 121 136 151 166
k oha t

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 6

Figure 12. Graph from spectrum analyze data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point
P5

Table 12. Position of P6

Measurement number 6
Location description 2 m between sec B&C.
Location on map P6
Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41, 25 V/m.
varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

3.5
vlera efektive

3.4
3.3
V/m

3.2 Series1
3.1
3
2.9
1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91 100 109 118
koha t

Figure 13. Graph from spectrum analyzes data of Electrical field strength value versus time on the
point P6.
Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m.

varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

0.02
vlera efektive

0.015
A/m

0.01 Series1
0.005
0
1 11 21 31 41 51 61 71 81 91 101 111
koha t

Figure 14. Graph from spectrum analyzes data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point
P6.

Table 13. Position of P7

Measurement number 7
Location description 2nd Floor building 4, direction C
Location on map P7
Electrical field strength value versus time and the reference value E= 41,25 V/m.

vare sia e vle res efektive nga koha

1.5
vlera efektive

1
V/m

Series1
0.5

0
1 8 15 22 29 36 43 50 57 64 71 78 85 92 99 106 113 120

koha t

Figure 15. Graph from spectrum analyzes data of Electrical field strength value versus time on the
point P7.

Magnetic field strength value versus time and the reference value H= 0.111 A/m.

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 7

 varesia e vleres efektive nga koha

0.014
0.012
vlera efektive

0.01
0.008
A/m

Series1
0.006
0.004
0.002
0
1 10 19 28 37 46 55 64 73 82 91 100 109 118
koha t

Figure 16. Graph from spectrum analyzes data Magnetic field strength value versus time on the point
P7.

The Final conclusions for the School area

The table with average values of E, H, and P for any of 7 points were taken measures.

Table 14. Average of E, H, and P

Location Identity Average of Average of Average of
E (V/m ) H (A/m) P (W/m2)
P1 0.8825 0.006911 0.006098958
P2 0.67725 0.007642 0.005175545
P3 1.601278 0.007008 0.011221756
P4 4.229389 0.011267 0.047652526
P5 8.6355 0.021349 0.18435929
P6 3.2315 0.011338 0.036638747
P7 0.936167 0.006838 0.00640151

The table with average values of E, H, and P for any of seven points were taken measures gives
these results for average of P

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
Measured Values
P1

P2

P3

P4

P5

P6

P7

Figure 17. Graph from average of P

Diagram for Density of Radiated Power (W/m2) in all 7 Points.

The E.U Recommendations and ICNIRP Limit Value of Density of Radiated Power for 900 MHz is: 4.5
W/m2.

Below is the graph which show average of Electrical field

Diagram for electrical field (V/m) in all 7 Points.
E.U Recommendations and ICNIRP Limit Value
for 900 MHz (41.25V/m)
E.U Recommendations and ICNIRP limit Value
for 10-400Mhz (28V/m)

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 8

 42
40
38
36
34
32
30
28
26
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2 E.
0
P2

P4
P1

P3

P5
P6
P7

Measured values V/m

Figure 18. Graph from average of E.

Diagram for magnetic field (A/m) in all 7 Points.
E.U Recommendations and ICNIRP Limit Value
for 900 MHz (0.111nA/m)
E.U Recommendations and ICNIRP limit Value
for 10-400 MHz (0.073 A/m)

0.115
0.11
0.105
0.1
0.095
0.09
0.085
0.08
0.075
0.07
0.065
0.06
0.055
0.05
0.045
0.04
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
P1

P2

P3

P4

P5

P6

P7

Measured values

Figure 19. Graph from average of H

Conclusions
• The tables with the results of measurements, are checked against the reference values of the
European Council’s recommendation of 12 July 1999 (1999/519/EC) (recommendations which adopts
the values of the ICNIRP’s guidelines stated in “Guidelines for limiting exposure to time-varying
electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields up to 300 GHz” – Health physics Vol. 74, April 1998).
Our comments are as following:
• Electric field strength. The results of the measurements for all the locations are found to be
below the reference values from the above mentioned institutions. The reference values of the EF for
the 900 and 1800 MHz band are respectively 41,25 V/m and 58,34 V/m, As you can see from the
tables the values we measured are everywhere less than 12V/m.
• The magnetic field strength, measuring is below the reference value 0,111 A/m, defined in the
European Council’s recommendation. The maximum figure for the MF is 0,03 A/maths values are
many times lower than even the strict limit set for the band 10 – 400 MHz, which is only 0,073 A/m,
• Concerning power density, the results for all locations measured were below the reference
values as defined in the European Council’s recommendation. These values are many times lower
than even the strict limit set for the band 10 – 400 MHz, which is only 2 W/m2 while for the 900 and
1800 MHz band the limit values are respectively 4.5 W/m2 and 9 W/m2.

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 9

 • As conclusion, it must be stated that as shown from the above mentioned measurement
results, for all the examined sites, no place in access to the general public, has excess of the
reference values.

References

Y. Anemiya: “Researches on biological and electromagnetic in RF and microwave”, Regions in Japan

(IEICE Trans comunn, E77B:693-698) 1994.
European Commission (EC), “Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC of 12 July 1999 on the
limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)”, Off. J. Eur.
Comm., L 199, 59, 30 July 1999.
IEE Task Force report on power frequency Electric and Magnetic Field effects. IEE power engineering
review, December 1988.

BALWOIS 2010 - Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia - 25, 29 May 2010 10