Publisher:
Telstra
Name:
Telstra - WIFI - Consumer advice
Copyrighted By:
Telstra
Family Friendly:
Yes
Language:
English
Skip to main content
Telstra Home Page
  • Personal
    Personal Home
    • Plans & devices

      • Mobiles

        • Mobiles on a plan
        • SIM only plans
        • Outright devices
        • Pre-Paid
        • 5G Phones
        • Explore mobiles
      • Tablets

        • Tablets on a plan
        • Pre-Paid
        • Explore tablets
      • Home phones

      • Roaming

      • Accessories

      • Deals

      • Shop by Brand

        • Apple
        • Samsung
        • Google
      • I want to I want to

        • Pay a bill
        • Upgrade my plan
        • Check my usage
        • Recharge Pre-Paid
        • Track my order
        • Activate my mobile
        • Trade-in my device
    • Internet

      • Home broadband

        • Internet plans
        • nbn plans
        • 5G Home Internet
        • Entertainment packages
        • Explore home broadband
      • Mobile broadband

        • Modems on a plan
        • SIM only data plans
        • Pre-Paid
        • Explore mobile broadband
      • Internet extras

        • Wi-Fi Booster
        • Explore internet extras
      • Cyber security and safety

        • Device Protect
        • Explore cyber security and safety
      • Platinum support

      • Deals

      • I want to I want to

        • Move house
        • See plan details
        • Switch to nbn
        • See nbn network speeds
        • Change plan
        • Pay a bill
        • Track my order
        • Request an extension
    • Entertainment

      • TV & movies

        • Disney+
        • Binge
        • Flash
        • Foxtel Now
        • Telstra TV
        • Telstra TV Box Office
        • Foxtel from Telstra
        • Explore TV & movies
      • Gaming

        • Xbox All Access
        • Xbox Game Pass
        • Game Optimiser
        • Explore gaming
      • Entertainment

        • Entertainment packages
        • Explore entertainment
      • Sport

        • Kayo
        • Explore sport
      • I want to I want to

        • Check my account
        • Go to Telstra Plus
        • Set up Telstra TV
        • Track my order
        • Pay a bill
    • Coverage & services

      • Telstra Plus

        • Sign in
        • All Ticket offers
        • Movie Tickets
        • Explore Telstra Plus
      • My Telstra

      • Coverage maps

      • Cyber security and safety

        • Device Protect
        • Explore cyber security and safety
      • Our network

        • What is 5G?
        • Our 5G network
        • 4GX
        • Regional services
        • Explore our network
      • Telstra Air®

        • About Telstra Air
        • Explore Telstra Air
      • Platinum support

        • Technical support types
        • Explore Telstra Platinum
      • I want to I want to

        • Go to My Telstra
        • Go to Webmail
        • See coverage maps
        • Track my order
        • Go to Telstra Plus
        • Pay a bill
        • Request an extension
    • Telstra Plus

    • Support

      • Personal Support

        • Accounts and billing
        • Internet
        • Mobiles and devices
        • Telstra Mail
        • Pre-Paid Services
        • Phone line
        • Entertainment and sport
        • Explore support
      • Support homepages

        • Personal
        • Business
        • Enterprise
        • Explore support
      • I want to I want to

        • Download My Telstra app
        • Find a store
        • Sign in to webmail
        • Understand my charges
        • Make a payment
        • Fix an internet issue
    • Contact us

      • Contact Us

        • Accounts and billing
        • Set up & technical support
        • Products, plans and services
        • Feedback and complaints
        • Multilingual services
        • Find a store
        • Explore contact us
    • Search in Telstra.com
  • Business
    Business Home
    • Plans & devices

      • Mobiles

        • Mobiles on a plan
        • 5G plans & devices
        • Explore mobiles
      • SIM plans

        • Mobile SIM plans
        • Tablet SIM plans
      • Tablets

        • Tablets on a plan
        • iPads
        • Mobile Worksuite
        • Explore tablets
      • Office phones

      • Shop by brand

        • Apple iPhones
        • Samsung mobiles
        • Microsoft
      • I want to I want to

        • Pay bill
        • Request payment extension
        • Book an appointment
        • Check my data usage
        • Change your plan
        • Move my mobile service to Telstra
        • Manage account online
        • Get account management support
    • Business internet

      • Broadband

        • nbn plans
        • nbn speeds
        • 5G Internet plan
        • ADSL plan
        • Explore Broadband
      • Unified Communications

      • Business-grade fibre

      • Mobile broadband

        • Data plans
        • Devices
        • Explore mobile broadband
      • Telstra Air

      • I want to I want to

        • Get a call back for nbn upgrade
        • Pay bill
        • Request payment extension
        • Set up Direct Debit
        • Move premises
        • Manage account online
        • Get account management support
    • Business solutions

      • Software

        • Microsoft 365
        • MYOB Business
        • Check Point Harmony Mobile
        • Telstra Calling for Office 365
        • Explore software
      • Go Digital

        • Get connected
        • Engage online
        • Protect your business
        • Business software
        • Explore Go Digital
      • Business services

        • Cyber Security Services
        • Business Website Services
        • Go Digital Consult
        • Tech Services
        • Telstra Data Protect
        • Explore Services
      • Tyro EFTPOS

      • I want to I want to

        • Book a Go Digital Consult
        • Sign up for Apps Marketplace
        • Log in to Apps Marketplace
        • Call Telstra Tech Services
        • Access Managing Risks report
        • Call Cyber Security Services
    • Internet of Things

      • Internet of Things

        • IoT SIM plans
        • Asset Tracking
        • Vehicle tracking
        • Site monitoring
        • Internet of Things homepage
      • I want to I want to

        • Pay bill
        • Request payment extension
        • Set up Direct Debit
        • Download bill
        • Manage my data
        • Manage account online
        • Get account management support
    • Telstra Plus

    • Support

      • Business Support

        • Account Management
        • Accounts & payments
        • Mobiles & devices
        • Internet & office phones
        • Business software
        • Explore Business Support
      • Outages

      • Support homepages

        • Personal
        • Business
        • Enterprise
    • Contact us

      • Sales

        • Call 13 2000
        • Sales
      • Accounts and billing

        • Call 13 2000
        • Accounts and billing
      • Concierge tech support

        • Call 13 2999
        • Concierge tech support
      • nbn

        • Call 13 2000
        • nbn
      • Other Options

        • Multilingual services
        • Business Technology Centres
    • Search in Telstra.com
  • Enterprise
    Enterprise Home
    • Products

      • Networks

        • Adaptive Networks
        • Software Defined Networks
        • Networks
      • Security

        • Secure your business
        • Safeguard your clouds
        • Protect your team
        • Security
      • Mobility Solutions

        • Enterprise 5G
        • Plans & Devices
        • Business Apps
        • Messaging & APIs
        • Mobility Solutions
      • Unified Communications

        • Calling and productivity
        • Conferencing
        • Customer Contact
        • Unified Communications
      • Cloud

        • Advice on Cloud
        • Cloud Connectivity
        • Cloud Solutions
        • Managed & Optimise Cloud
        • Security for Cloud
        • Cloud
      • Internet of Things

        • Capabilities
        • Solutions
        • Internet of Things
    • Services

      • Professional Services

        • Telstra Purple
      • Managed Services

        • Managed Collaboration
        • Managed Cost Optimisation
        • Managed Mobility
        • Managed Networks
        • Managed Services
    • Industries

      • Supply chain

        • Supply chain
      • Broadcast Media

        • Australian Media Networks
        • Broadcast Plus
        • Global Media Networks
        • Broadcast Media
      • Government

        • Federal
        • State
        • Local
        • Government
      • Mining & Resources

        • Mining Services
    • Channel Partners

      • Channel Partners

        • Register your interest
        • Telstra Partner Central
        • Channel Partners
    • Accounts

      • Policies

        • Financial Hardship Policy
    • Why Telstra

      • Why Telstra

        • Innovation and Experience
        • Global capabilities
        • Why Telstra
      • World-class networks

        • 5G
        • IoT
        • Global networks
        • World-class networks
    • News & Research

      • News & Research

        • Podcasts
        • Customer stories
        • News & Research
      • Events

        • Telstra Vantage Remixed
        • Events
    • Support

      • Enterprise Support

        • Accounts & Services
        • Billing & Payments
        • Enterprise Support
      • Self-service

        • Telstra Connect
        • Order Express
    • Contact us

      • Contact us

        • Request a callback
        • Expert Finder
        • Contact us
    • Search in Telstra.com
  • Telstra Plus
  • Help
  • Search
  • Cart
  • Sign in
    • My Telstra
    • Business Account
    • Telstra Connect
    • Telstra Plus
    • Telstra Mail
    Sign in
    • My Telstra
    • Business Account
    • Telstra Connect
    • Telstra Plus
    • Telstra Mail
Search suggestions will appear below the field as you type

Take me to

  • Apple watch
  • Prepaid recharge
  • Change of ownership
  • Apple airpods
  • Webmail
No results found

Take me to

  1. < Personal Home >
  2. < Consumer Advice >
  3. < Electromagnetic energy (EME) >

Wi-Fi

  • Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is the term used to describe high speed wireless network connections over short distances between mobile computing devices such as laptops, smart phones, tablets and the internet. These are sometimes termed wireless local area networks or WLAN's. Wi-Fi is also increasingly used for communication between consumer electronic devices such as televisions, household appliances, DVD & Blue Ray players, digital cameras and mobile phones. Wi-Fi networks use very low powered radio technologies to transmit and receive information in a very similar way to home cordless phones. 

    illustration of home local area network using Wi-Fi

  • Wi-Fi uses very low power radio frequency signals that are typically less than 100 milliwatts of power, less than half the power of a mobile phone. Some Wi-Fi routers can operate at higher power levels (typically 500mW to 1W) and with external antennas. These are typically used in areas where larger coverage is required like sporting stadiums and shopping malls. Wi-Fi connections are also "silent" until data is transmitted, so radio signals are only created during actual transfers of data. Even heavy users accessing hundreds of megabytes of data a day would only end up transmitting for a short period overall. 

    A Wi-Fi router or modem also transmits a beacon signal so that it can be detected by devices. The beacon signal contains an identification name that is displayed on your device when you search for available Wi-Fi connections or hot spots.
     

  • “Hotspots” are the name given to a Wi-Fi access point connected to the internet. A hotspot can encompass several access points connected to a single network. The user is free to move within the hotspot area.

    Hotspots use very low power, and only transmit when data is being sent, except for a small beacon signal to identify the hotspot to devices.
     

  • Telstra relies on the advice of a number of international and national health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) for overall assessments of health and safety impacts. Extensive research has been conducted into possible health effects of radio frequency technology. Wi-Fi signals are in the radiofrequency range with independent health experts concluding there are no established health effects when compliant with safety guidelines.

    In relation to Wi-Fi and Health, ARPANSA state:

    "There is no established scientific evidence that the low exposure to RF EME from Wi-Fi adversely affects the health of children or the general population."

    Source: https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/wi-fi

    In relation to Wi-Fi and Health, the conclusion from the WHO is:

    "Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects."

    Source: https://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/facts/fs304/en/

    All of the Wi-Fi access points supplied and installed by Telstra are designed and tested to meet the mandatory radio frequency electromagnetic energy safety guidelines.

    Australian Government, Department of Communications has information online for the community, schools and parents, on towers, radiocommunications facilities, mobile phones, Wi-Fi and electromagnetic energy, including an explanatory video.
     

  • Wi-Fi routers and modems are very common in homes today. The routers are best placed on a bookshelf or in an area clear of obstructions to provide the best reception in the home and ensure compliance with the manufacturer’s recommended separation distances.

    illustration of typical WiFi modem installation with modem on bookshelf

    For compliance with the electromagnetic (EME) safety guidelines and maximum operating efficiency, Wi-Fi routers typically have a specified minimum separation distance of 20cm. Check your manufacturer’s Wi-Fi router operating instructions and safety information for the recommended separation distance that applies.
     

  • EME levels inside a home from Wi-Fi routers and devices are very low. Tests conducted by national health agencies and accredited laboratories in Australia and overseas have shown the EME levels from Wi-Fi to be similar to background EME levels from television and radio stations, consumer devices like baby monitors and cordless phones and mobile phone base stations.

    Telstra has conducted testing of EME levels from Wi-Fi under typical conditions of use such as video streaming, downloading files and internet browsing in a home environment and found the background levels inside the home to range from 0.005% to 0.04% of the EME safety guidelines.

    The EME levels at 20cm from the router were found to be less than 10% of the EME safety guideline when the router was under heavy use (streaming videos on a tablet, downloading large files and accessing the internet on multiple laptops all simultaneously). The router was operating at approximately 70% of maximum capacity in this configuration.
     

  • Wi-Fi allows greater freedom for working on computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones and other mobile devices in schools and offices. People in offices and schools do not have to sit at their desk in order to work but can move around and choose an environment that suits them.

    Wi-Fi networks provide an efficient and portable way of connecting computing and other electronic devices. Networks can be installed in offices and schools without the need for expensive and disruptive installation of cables, providing classroom & teaching flexibility.

    Wi-Fi devices are very low powered and produce very low radio frequency electromagnetic energy transmissions which is reassuring for staff and students concerned about safety.
     

  • In relation to Wi-Fi and schools ARPANSA says;

    "On the basis of current scientific information, ARPANSA sees no reason why Wi-Fi should not continue to be used in schools and in other places. However, ARPANSA recognises that exposure to RF EME from Wi-Fi and other wireless devices can be of concern to some parents. ARPANSA will continue to review the research into potential health effects of RF EME emissions from Wi-Fi and other devices in order to provide accurate and up-to-date advice".

    Source: http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/FactSheets/is_wifi.cfm
     

  • In relation to Wi-Fi exposure reduction ARPANSA advises;

    There are no established adverse health effects from the Wi-Fi RF exposure. However, if you wish to reduce your exposure you can do so by:

    • increasing the distance to Wi-Fi equipment

    • reducing the amount of time you use Wi-Fi equipment.


    • World Health Organization

    • Australian Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety Agency

    • GSMA, MMF, Wi-Fi Alliance - Wi-Fi Health and Safety Brochure

     

Top

Help

  • Contact us
  • Support
  • Find a store
  • Check for outages
  • Troubleshoot an issue
  • Consumer advice
  • Financial hardship

  • Contact us
  • Support
  • Find a store
  • Check for outages
  • Troubleshoot an issue
  • Consumer advice
  • Financial hardship

About

  • About us
  • Careers
  • Partners and causes
  • Investors
  • Sitemap

  • About us
  • Careers
  • Partners and causes
  • Investors
  • Sitemap

Privacy and terms

  • Critical Information Summaries
  • Our customer terms
  • Your information
  • Privacy
  • Our website terms

  • Critical Information Summaries
  • Our customer terms
  • Your information
  • Privacy
  • Our website terms

Other Telstra sites

  • Telstra Wholesale
  • Global Enterprises & Services
  • Telstra Media
  • Telstra Health
  • Telstra Plus

  • Telstra Wholesale
  • Global Enterprises & Services
  • Telstra Media
  • Telstra Health
  • Telstra Plus

Find us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Shop by brand