August 11, 2010

Mr Mohamed Ayoub, Senior Spectrum Management Expert at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority participated in a panel discussion on Tele Liban about the impact of Telecommunications and Media on Public Health on Tuesday August 10. This discussion also gathered Mr. Ghaleb Kandil from the National Media Council, Mr. Amine Jaber from the Civil Aviation Authority and Mr. Youssef el Zein representing the FM stations.

The discussion evolved around the illegal use of radio frequencies that are affecting the civil aviation. The illegal use of radio frequencies generate interference on the devices that enable airplanes to coordinate the landing and the equipment used by airplanes to measure the distance with the ground, causing therefore a heavy risk on public safety.

Mr. Ayoub explained that the TRA is taking the necessary measures to stop illegal FM stations using unlicensed radio frequencies and preserve public safety based on its prerogatives as stated in Telecommunications Law. He also mentioned that the TRA is closely working in cooperation with other stakeholders, especially security and juridical authorities.

Mr. Ayoub also stressed on the negative impact of the exposure to Electromagnetic emissions on public health due to radio and television broadcasting exceeding the limits of radiation. He mentioned that the TRA drafted the Human Electromagnetic Field (EMF)exposure Limit Regulation for the purpose of setting national limits for the level of EMF exposure that is considered acceptable for the public and workers to protect them from potential health effects of man-made non-ionizing radio frequency in the living and working environment.