Information regarding electromagnetic radiation
Learn about specific absorption rate and mobile device regulations
Mobile devices are regulated by federal government standards to ensure they can be used safely. All of the mobile devices sold by TELUS and all of TELUS's cell sites meet or exceed all applicable regulatory standards.
Definition of specific absorption rate
The specific absorption rate (SAR) is the rate at which radio frequency energy — a type of electromagnetic radiation — is absorbed by a biological body. SAR is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg). Industry Canada requires that all cell phones and other mobile devices sold in Canada comply with certain regulatory SAR limits.
TELUS does not test the SAR values of the devices we sell. Rather, we rely on the SAR values provided by manufacturers, Industry Canada and the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
TELUS cell sites
All of TELUS’s wireless installations, or cell sites, are required to conform to Safety Code 6, which sets out requirements governing the safe operation of wireless transmission equipment. Safety Code 6 is one of the strictest codes in the world, and all TELUS wireless sites emit a radiofrequency that falls well below what Health Canada deems safe through Safety Code 6. In fact, many of our wireless sites emit a radiofrequency that is hundreds of times lower than safe levels.
Mobile devices
Based on the values provided by manufacturers, Industry Canada and the FCC, all mobile devices sold by TELUS meet the latest standards governing radio safety levels. They meet Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) standards set by Health Canada in Safety Code 6 and by the US FCC.