Associations between Individual and Geospatial Characteristics and Power of 4G Signals Received by Mobile Phones

Authors: Laplanche A, Guida F, Moissonnier M, Launay L, Beranger R, Lagroye I, Orlacchio R, Fontaine M, Bories S, Mazloum T, Conil E, Huss A, Wiart J, Danjou A, Schüz J, Dejardin O, Deltour I

Year: 2025 Oct 6

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Environmental Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123030

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41061881/

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates how individual, technical, and geospatial factors impact the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for 4G LTE networks as measured by smartphones.

Background

  • Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI): Measures downlink signal intensity received by smartphones in 4th Generation LTE networks.

Objective

To evaluate how individual, technical, and spatial variables influence LTE-RSSI during daily activities.

Methods

  • Adults in France (November 2022 – October 2023) logged RSSI and GPS data using the XMobiSensePlus Android application.
  • Distance to the nearest cellphone antenna, population density, antenna density, and urbanicity were assessed with geographic information systems.
  • An autoregressive mixed model with restricted cubic splines analyzed determinants of RSSI.
  • Environmental exposures were estimated at 1800 MHz using conversion factors.

Findings

  • Data from 1,969,913 records and 187 participants (measurements every 30 seconds for an average of 7.9 days).
  • Mean LTE-RSSI was -79.3 dBm; estimated electric field strength was 0.12 V/m (with high uncertainty).
  • Median distance to nearest antenna: 536 meters.
  • Proximity to antenna and higher antenna density increased RSSI (+0.37 dBm per additional antenna per km²).
  • RSSI was lower in evening and night, particularly in urban areas.
  • Technical factors (Android version, System-on-a-Chip) influenced RSSI; operator did not.
  • Proximity to antennas had greater impact in rural settings.

Conclusion

Urbanicity, distance to nearest 4G antenna, antenna density, time of day, and technical smartphone parameters impacted RSSI levels in 4G networks in France, while the operator was not a significant factor in RSSI variations.

⚠️ Note: Variations in RSSI, influenced by proximity and density of antennas, directly relate to the level of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure individuals receive from 4G networks. The scientific consensus highlights the importance of continued investigation into health risks associated with EMF exposure, especially in relation to proximity to network infrastructure and specific population settings such as urban versus rural areas.

4G LTE RSSI antenna density electromagnetic fields geospatial analysis smartphone exposure
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