Shareholders' Letter

See
www.icnirp.org
See
www.swisscom.ch/radiation
See
www.swisscom.com/
lowradiation
Advice and information on wireless technologies
Stakeholder groups who are affected by the construction and operation of mobile networks or
who simply require general information on wireless technologies, the environment and health,
receive advice from specially trained Swisscom employees. In the year under review, Swisscom held
more than 500 discussions with members of key stakeholder groups in the debate over mobile
communications and the environment.
Research and development in the area of electromagnetic fields
Swisscom works with and financially supports the Swiss Research Foundation on Mobile Communication
(FSM), based at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and employs four qualified
employees to monitor and interpret the latest research findings on electromagnetic fields, their
effect on organisms and the measurement of emissions.
Mindful of the major responsibility that operating wireless networks entails, Swisscom follows
and analyses scientific research by internal and external experts into the impact of non-ionising
radiation on organisms and supports scientific work in this field.
Based on current knowledge, scientists consider the applicable limit for electromagnetic fields as
safe (see WHO Fact Sheets Nos. 193 and 304). Swisscom carries in its range of cordless (DECT) telephones
a number of devices which emit ultra-low radiation when in “Ecomode plus” mode. Customers
can go online to find out the SAR limits of all mobile devices. Those who are interested can
visit the Swisscom website to find a list of low-radiation mobile devices in the Swisscom range
and tips on making low-emission phone calls.
Certification of the quality assurance system for compliance with ONIR limits
Swissscom is required to operate a quality assurance system (QAA) for mobile base stations to
ensure that mobile antennae, when in operation, comply at all times with the statutory limits. In
2005 Swisscom decided to have this quality assurance system certified to ISO 15504 standard.
The system was recertified in November 2010, when it scored a capability level of 4 out of a possible
5. Capability level 4 means that the processes relevant for the QAA are “predictable”, i.e. targeted
and measurable.
The legal obligation to limit emissions from mobile communication installations results from the
Ordinance relating to Protection against Non-Ionising Radiation (ONIR), the aim of which is to protect
people against harmful or undesirable non-ionising radiation. The ONIR applies to the operation
of fixed installations that emit electrical and magnetic fields with frequencies between O
Hz and 300 GHz.
Duty to inform and publicity on radiation and health
Swisscom provides information on the radiation levels of terminal devices. The Telecommunication
Services Ordinance requires telecommunication services providers to disclose information on the
functionality of a barring set at least once a year. A barring set allows access to chargeable valueadded
services to be blocked. Every year Swisscom informs customers about this free service in an
enclosure to their bill. This barring set is automatically activated for young subscribers under the
age of 18.
Packaging
In 2009 Swisscom decided to largely do away with the additional packaging that comes with
mobile phones, and to massively reduce the amount of enclosed documentation such as user
guides. In 2010 it discontinued repackaging for all postpaid mobile phones, which make up 85%
of all devices sold by Swisscom, and in so doing saved on 14 tonnes of cardboard. The packaging
concept has also been adjusted for the new Centro range of routers, with a higher proportion of
recyclable fibres and re-usable packing materials.
Management Commentary 86 | 87
Corporate Responsibility