Switzerland: Radiation criticism: New microcells in Zermatt without clear precautions

Radiation criticism: New microcells in Zermatt without clear precautions
Source: pomona.ch, posted by Verein Schutz vor Strahlung, 19 May 2025 - Deep translation

Sunrise is planning two new mobile radio microcells in the center of the village of Zermatt to absorb the growing volume of data locally. These small cells will operate with a low transmission power of less than six watts and, according to Sunrise, are considered harmless - comparable to a Wi-Fi router. Nevertheless, they are legally exempt from the strict installation limit of 6 V/m that otherwise applies in playgrounds, for example. Instead, the significantly higher emission limit of 61 V/m applies here - a circumstance that the umbrella organization for electrosmog in Switzerland and Liechtenstein criticizes as inconsistent and questionable in terms of health policy.

From the point of view of radiation protection initiatives, the legal gray area in the construction of such facilities is also particularly problematic: municipalities decide individually whether a planning application is necessary at all. This means that microcells can be installed without the knowledge or involvement of the population. In the case of Zermatt, the application is publicly available, but the location in a flood zone is regulated by an exceptional permit.

In the view of the Verein Schutz vor Strahlung, the expansion with microcells represents a further step towards a dense radiation environment - without sufficient transparency or health precautions. The fact that radiation-intensive technology can be installed in residential areas without public debate contradicts the precautionary principle and undermines public confidence. We demand clear, uniform rules for all transmitters throughout Switzerland - regardless of their power - as well as the right to have a say and the protection of sensitive locations such as residential areas, playgrounds and recreational zones.

Source: pomona.ch