Aerials are indispensable. They ensure an optimal transmission of the communications and are the guarantee of a high quality service. The need for aerials is increasing with the intensification of the use of mobile communications.

KPN Group Belgium is aware of the concern expressed by consumers and by its customers. That is why it takes a close interest in the studies drawn up by the scientific community. Current scientific knowledge is unable to substantiate claims that exposure to the electromagnetic waves emitted by the base stations (aerials) and mobile phone have any negative effect on health. However, KPN Group Belgium is keeping an open mind and is backing on-going research in all areas where doubts remain.

KPN Group Belgium, along with Belgium's other mobile operators, teamed up with Bruxelles Environnement to commission a study into the impact of mobile phone masts on the Natura 2000 sites in the Brussels region. The Natura 2000 network is a collection of European natural sites, both landscapes and seascapes, picked for the rarity or fragility of the wild animal and plant species that live there, and of their habitats, which means that they warrant special protection.

The main conclusions of this study are as follows:

- As regards the effect of the electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phone installations on the fauna and flora and therefore on these nearby protected areas, according to the current state of scientific research there is no indication that this kind of effect has been validly demonstrated and therefore that special protection measures need to be taken.

- On the other hand, construction and other activities linked to the putting up of masts can disrupt the Natura 2000 sites and must therefore be the subject of special protection measures, such as keeping work to a minimum during the reproduction period, banning the use of pesticides, prohibiting the removal of deadwood and stumps that can serve as the habitat of certain species, etc.

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