Massive assessment of exposure to 5G electromagnetic fields in France: a 5-year synthesis
Abstract
Overview
This paper presents the results of a large-scale measurement campaign to assess the impact of 5G deployment on exposure levels in mainland France. The campaign consists of more than 24,000 measurements taken on the ground in direct view of 5G antennas between 2020 and 2024, subdivided into seven phases, in order to closely monitor changes in exposure.
- The measurements consist of accredited measurements following the ANFR protocol
- Exploratory measurements designed to emulate steerable-beam loading in the 3.5 GHz band
- The paper introduces a metric quantifying the rate of 5G usage
Findings
- At 5G 3500 MHz sites, the broadband exposure level increased by 0.12 V/m on average over the 5-year period
- The 3500 MHz band contribution increased by 0.34 V/m on average, reflecting the progressive adoption of 5G
- The 3500 MHz band remained a secondary contributor, accounting for only 10% of the main contributors in 2024, far behind historical 800/900 MHz bands
- Exposure during a 1 GB download is, on average, four times higher than in idle mode
- Median 5G 3500 MHz usage rate of 17% and a mean of 26%
- In other 5G bands, exposure increased: +0.15 V/m in 2100 MHz, +0.14 V/m in 700 MHz, where pre-existing 4G signals already dominated
Conclusion
This unique long-term dataset provides the most extensive 5G exposure assessment published to date under real deployment conditions, quantifying the gradual contribution of 5G to overall exposure.