Why Regulators Need a National EMF Policy

A national electromagnetic-field policy must extend beyond the adoption of exposure limits. It should establish a complete regulatory framework connecting public-health protection, standardized technical assessment, stakeholder responsibilities, independent verification, public communication and enforcement.

As 5G, advanced antenna systems, small cells, private networks and satellite infrastructure continue to develop, regulators need clear and updateable EMF frameworks that protect the public while supporting sustainable network deployment.

This FOCUSTEL report examines:

• The strategic importance of national EMF policy

• Public awareness and risk communication

• Stakeholder roles and responsibilities

• The complementary roles of ICNIRP, IEC, ITU and WHO

• Current EMF standards and recommendations

• Regulatory practices adopted in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Malta

• Ten essential components of a national EMF framework

• A practical implementation roadmap for regulators

The international comparison considers Ofcom, Bundesnetzagentur, ARPANSA and ACMA, and the Malta Communications Authority. Although these institutions use different regulatory arrangements, their approaches demonstrate the importance of connecting health-based limits, legal obligations, technical assessment, regulator verification, public transparency and enforcement.

Published by FOCUSTEL FZCO, August 2026.