Palm 850 PDA Phone With GSM/GPRS/EDGE and Bluetooth User Manual 4 of 4

Palm Inc PDA Phone With GSM/GPRS/EDGE and Bluetooth 4 of 4

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COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

connection is active. Make sure that either

of the following icons appears in the title

bar of the Main tab: . If you do not

see either of these icons, data services are

not available in your current location and

you cannot exchange multimedia

messages.

I can’t send or receive text messages

•Make sure your SIM card is inserted

correctly (see Inserting the SIM card

and battery) and your phone is turned on

(see Turning your phone on and off).

•Contact Cingular Wireless to verify that

your plan includes text messaging

services, that these services have been

correctly activated, and that they are

available at your location. Cingular

Wireless should be able to tell you if

text messaging services have been

experiencing transmission delays.

Delays can also occur between the time

that a message is sent and the time it is

received.

•Verify with the recipient that the

receiving device can handle text

messages.

•If a text message arrives but does not

display an alert, perform a soft reset

(see Performing a soft reset).

I can’t send or receive multimedia

messages

•Make sure your phone is turned on (see

Turning your phone on and off).

•Contact Cingular Wireless to verify that

your plan includes multimedia

messaging services (MMS), that these

services have been correctly activated,

and that they are available at your

location. Cingular Wireless should be

able to tell you if multimedia messaging

services have been experiencing

transmission delays. Delays can also

occur between the time that a message

is sent and the time it is received.

•Make sure that either of the following

icons appears in the title bar of the Main

tab: . If you do not see either of

these icons, data services are not

available in your current location and you

cannot exchange multimedia messages.

•Verify with the recipient that the

receiving device can handle multimedia

messages.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

•If a message arrives but does not

display an alert, perform a soft reset

(see Performing a soft reset).

Web

I can’t tell if data services are available

When your phone is on, icons appear in the

title bar in the Main tab in the Phone

application to indicate whether data

services are available and whether a data

connection is active. Make sure that either

of the following icons appears in the title

bar of the Main tab: . If you do not

see either of these icons, data services are

not available in your current location and

you cannot connect to the Internet.

My Treo won’t connect to the Internet

Your Treo 680 supports GPRS and EDGE

wireless data networks. To connect to the

Internet, you must subscribe to and

activate data services with Cingular

Wireless, and you must be in a location

with data coverage.

1Press and hold Power/End to

turn off your phone. Then press

and hold the same button to turn it back

on again.

2Press Phone and look for either of

the following icons in the title bar of the

Main tab: .

3If you see these icons, you are in a data

coverage area. Try connecting to the

Internet again. If you do not see either

of these icons, press Applications ,

select Prefs , and continue with the

following steps.

4Select Network.

5Select the Service pick list and select

MEdia Net.

6Select Connect.

7If the connection is successful, go the

web browser. If you still can’t make a

connection, perform a soft reset (see

Performing a soft reset).

8If your phone did not turn on

automatically after the soft reset, press

and hold Power/End to turn on

your phone, and try connecting to the

Internet.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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9Contact Cingular Wireless to verify the

following:

•Your subscription plan includes

high-speed data services.

•Data services have been activated on

your account.

•Data coverage is available in your

location.

•There are no data service outages in

your location.

I can’t access a web page

First, make sure you have Internet access:

Open the web browser and try to view

another web page you’ve loaded before. To

ensure you’re viewing the page directly

from the Internet, press Menu , select

Go, and then select Refresh.

If you can view the other web page after

you refresh it, but you still can’t access the

page you were originally trying to view, the

page may contain elements that are not

supported by the web browser. These

include Flash, Shockwave, VBScript,

WMLScript, and other plug-ins.

Some websites use a redirector to their

true home page. If the web browser on

your Treo 680 can’t follow the redirector,

try using a desktop browser to see

the landing page of the redirector, and then

enter that address in the web browser on

your Treo 680.

It takes a long time for a web page to load

If it is taking longer than usual to load web

pages, you may have traveled from an

EDGE service area to a GPRS service area.

Although GPRS data service is considered

a high-speed data service, it seems slow if

you are used to EDGE speed.

1Press Phone and look for either of

the following icons in the title bar of the

Main tab to confirm that you have a data

connection: .

2Try opening a different web page to see

if the problem persists.

•If you can open a different web page,

it is likely that the original web site is

TIP

Your Treo can open your email application

when you select an email address on a web

page. If nothing happens when you select the

link, make sure your email application is

already set up.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

experiencing problems, and the

problem is not related to your Treo.

•If the problem persists on a different

web page, you may have a problem

with your connection to the Cingular

Wireless network.

3To be sure there is not a problem with

your connection to the Cingular

Wireless network, press and hold

Power/End to turn off your

phone. Then press and hold the same

button to turn it back on again.

4Try opening the web page again to see

if it loads faster.

An image or map is too small on

my screen

The web browser has two modes:

Optimized and Wide Page. Optimized

Mode resizes all images and page

elements to fit in a single column on the

Treo 680 screen. Switch to Wide Page

Mode to see the full-size image (see

Viewing a web page).

You may also be able to save the image on

your Treo 680 or an expansion card and

then view the image later on your

computer.

A secure site refuses to permit a

transaction

Some websites don’t support certain

browsers for transactions. Please contact

the site’s webmaster to make sure the site

allows transactions using Blazer™ web

browser from your Treo.

My Bluetooth DUN connection isn’t

working

Check all of the following:

•Press Applications and select

Bluetooth . Make sure the

Bluetooth setting is On.

•You have already formed a partnership

between your Treo 680 and your

computer (see Creating a partnership

between your Treo and your computer).

•The Bluetooth feature on your computer

is turned on.

•Your Treo is within 30 feet of your

computer.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

If the problem persists, try the following:

•Turn the Bluetooth setting Off and then

turn it back on again.

•Try moving your Treo closer to your

computer. The effective range for a

computer varies between

manufacturers.

•Confirm that no obstructions, including

your body, are between your Treo and

your computer.

•If the problem persists, create a new

partnership with your computer (see

Creating a partnership between your

Treo and your computer).

Camera

Here are some tips for taking good pictures

with the built-in camera:

•Clean the camera’s lens with a soft,

lint-free cloth.

•Take pictures in bright lighting

conditions. Low-light images may be

grainy, due to the sensitivity of the

camera.

•Hold the Treo 680 as still as possible.

Try supporting your picture-taking arm

against your body or a stationary object

(such as a wall).

•Keep the subject of the picture still.

Exposure time is longer with lower light

levels, so you may see a blur.

•For best results, verify that you have the

brightest light source coming from

behind you, lighting the subject’s face.

Avoid taking indoor pictures with the

subject in front of a window or light.

•Make sure the subject is at least 18

inches away from the camera to ensure

good focus.

TIP

Bluetooth range is up to 30 feet in

optimum environmental conditions.

Performance and range may be affected by

physical obstacles, radio interference from

nearby electronic equipment, and other

factors.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

Remember that when you synchronize

your Treo 680 with your computer, your

camera images are stored in the My

Pictures/Palm Photos folder on your hard

drive (see Viewing pictures and videos on

your computer).

Making room on your

Treo

Keep in mind that your Treo 680 includes

an expansion card slot, and that you can

store applications and information on

expansion cards (sold separately).

However, you still need free memory on

the Treo 680 itself to run applications from

an expansion card. For more info on using

expansion cards, see Using expansion

cards.

If you store a large number of records or

install many third-party applications, the

internal memory on your Treo 680 may fill

up. Here are some common ways to clear

space:

•Email: Messages that have large

attachments can quickly consume

memory on your Treo. Delete messages

with large attachments. If you have

hundreds of messages with or without

attachments, you may want to delete

older messages to make room (see the

User Guide for the VersaMail

Application on your computer).

•Windows: Start>Programs>Palm

•Mac: Insert the Palm Installation CD

and click the link to the User Guide for

the VersaMail Application in the

Documentation folder.

•Pictures & Videos: Large images take

up a lot of memory. Move images to an

expansion card or synchronize them to

your computer, and then delete the

images from your Treo (see Viewing

pictures and videos on your computer).

•Music: Music files often consume a lot

of memory. Move music files to an

expansion card, or delete large files

from your Treo.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

•Messaging: Multimedia content can

also consume a lot of memory. Move

multimedia content to an expansion

card, or delete large files from your Treo

(see Deleting messages).

•Internet: If you set a large web browser

cache, you may want to use the web

browser’s advanced Memory

Management settings to clear all recent

pages (see Customizing your web

browser settings).

•Third-party applications: You c a n

delete infrequently used applications

(see Removing applications) or move

them to an expansion card (see Copying

applications between an expansion card

and your Treo).

Third-party

applications

Some third-party applications can cause

conflicts on your Treo 680. For example,

third-party applications that were not

written with the Treo keyboard and 5-way

navigator in mind may cause strange

behavior or errors when using the keyboard

and 5-way navigator in these applications.

Third-party applications that modify

wireless features may require extra

troubleshooting.

If you recently installed an application and

your device seems to be stuck, try the

following:

1Perform a soft reset (see Performing a

soft reset).

2If the problem persists, perform a

system reset (see Performing a system

reset).

3Delete the most recently installed

application from your Treo 680 (see

Removing applications).

4If the problem persists, perform another

system reset.

5If possible, synchronize your Treo 680

with your computer to back up your

most recent info.

6If you’re unable to perform the

preceding steps or the problem

persists, locate your Backup subfolder

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

on your computer and rename the

folder (for example, BackupOld).

Windows: C:\Program

Files\Palm\<device name>

Mac: Mac hard drive> : Applications :

Palm : Users : <device name>

NOTE Can’t find a Palm folder in Program

Files? Then look for a palmOne or

Handspring folder instead. For more info,

see I can’t find my user folder.

7Perform a hard reset (see Performing a

hard reset).

8Sync to restore your info in Calendar,

Contacts, Tasks, Memos, and Pictures

& Videos.

9If the problem is resolved, begin

reinstalling your third-party applications

one at a time by double-clicking a single

file in the original Backup subfolder that

you renamed, and sync after each

application you install.

10 If the problem recurs, delete the last

application you installed and report the

problem to its developer.

I can’t exit a game or third-party

application

Press Option + Applications to

return to Applications View.

Getting more help

Contact the author or vendor of the

third-party software if you require further

assistance.

Error messages

Your Treo 680 is designed to minimize

interruptions when a system error occurs.

If your Treo 680 encounters a system error,

it automatically resets itself and resumes

functioning as normal. If possible, it even

turns the phone back on if it was on before

the error occurred.

Sometimes you might want to know more

about an error. Your Treo 680 uses a special

interface to show error messages in

greater detail.

1Press Phone .

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

2Enter #*377, and then press Send

3Review the screen with details about

the conditions that led up to the most

recent automatic reset.

4Select OK.

NOTE Third-party developers create their

own error messages. If you do not

understand an error message, please

contact the developer of the application for

help.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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CHAPTER

WHERE TO LEARN MORE 245

Where to learn more

Whether you’re on the go or at your

computer, there are several ways to learn

more about using your Palm®Treo™ 680

smart device.

For a quick introduction

Quick Tour: The Quick Tour introduces you

to many of the features on your Treo 680.

It is already installed on your Treo, and you

can open it any time. Press Applications

, and then select Quick Tour .

While using your Treo

On-device User Guide: A copy of this

guide is included right on your Treo 680.

The on-device guide is specially formatted

for your Treo 680 screen. To view the

on-device guide, press Applications ,

and then select My Treo .

Tips: Many of the built-in applications

include helpful tips for getting the most out

of your Treo. To view these tips, open an

application, press Menu , select

Options, and then select Tips.

Information: Many dialog boxes have a

Tips icon in the upper-right corner.

Select the Tips icon to learn about the

tasks you can perform in that dialog box.

Online support from Palm: For up-to-date

downloads, troubleshooting, and support

information, go to

www.palm.com/treo680cingular-support.

If you need more information

Books: Many books on Palm OS® devices

are available in local or online book retailers

(look in the computers section), or visit

www.palm.com/mytreo680cingular.

Online forums: Consult online user

discussion groups to swap Treo

information and learn about Treo topics you

may find nowhere else. Visit

www.palm.com/mytreo680cingular for

details.

Customer service from Cingular

Wireless: For questions about your mobile

account or features, contact Cingular

Wireless at 1-866-CINGULAR

(1-866-246-4852), or dial 611 from your

Treo.

WHERE TO LEARN MORE

246

TERMS 247

Terms

Alt (alternative)

A keyboard key. Enter a letter on the

keyboard, and then press Alt to access

variations such as international characters

and symbols.

Applications View

The screen on your Palm®Treo™ 680 smart

device from which you can open all

applications.

Auto-off interval

The time of inactivity that passes before

the screen on your Treo 680 turns off. The

wireless features on your Treo 680 are

unaffected by this setting.

Beam

The process of sending or receiving an

entry or application using the infrared (IR)

port on your Treo.

Bluetooth® wireless technology

Technology that enables devices such as

Treo 680s, mobile phones, and computers

to connect wirelessly to each other so that

they can exchange information over short

distances. For more info, visit

www.bluetooth.com.

CSD (circuit-switched data)

A dial-up Internet connection. You pay for

the connection time, not how much

information you transfer. Contrast with

GPRS.

Device name

The name associated with your Treo 680

and with the info in your desktop software.

The device name (sometimes called the

username) distinguishes your Treo 680

from all other Palm OS® devices. When you

first synchronize your Treo 680, you are

asked to give it a device name. This name

appears in the User list in Palm Desktop

software. Every Palm OS device that is

synchronized with the same computer

must have a unique device name.

Dialog box

A set of options and command buttons that

is enclosed by a border and that enables

you to carry out a specific task.

TERMS

248

EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM

Evolution)

An enhanced version of GPRS that delivers

data speeds that are up to three times

faster than standard GPRS connections.

(Additional charges may apply.)

Favorite

A button that provides quick access to a

phone number (speed-dial button) or

commonly used application (such as Web

or Messaging). You can define an unlimited

number of favorite buttons in the Phone

application.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

A mobile Internet connectivity technology

that allows persistent data connections.

(Additional charges may apply.)

HotSync®

The technology that synchronizes your Treo

and your computer with the simple press

of a button.

HotSync manager

The computer application that manages the

synchronization of your Treo with your

computer.

Infrared (IR)

A way of transmitting information using

light waves; this is called beaming. The IR

port on your Treo enables you to transfer

information to other IR devices within a

short radius.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)

The rechargeable battery technology used

in the Treo 680.

MMS (Multimedia Messaging System)

An enhanced form of messaging that

enables you to send pictures, videos,

animations, sounds, and ringtones almost

instantly.

Option key

The keyboard key that enables you to

access the alternative feature that appears

above the letter on each key.

Palm®Desktop software

A PIM application for computers that helps

you manage your personal information and

keep your personal information

synchronized with your Treo.

TERMS 249

Palm OS

The operating system of your Treo 680.

Palm OS is known for its simplicity of use

and for the large number of compatible

third-party applications that can be added

to your Treo 680.

Palm™ Quick Install

The component on your Windows

computer that enables you to install Palm

OS applications and other information on

your Treo.

Partnership

Two Bluetooth devices—for example, your

Treo 680 and a hands-free device—that can

connect because each device finds the

same passkey on the other device. Once

you form a partnership with a device, you

don’t need to enter a passkey to connect

with that device again. Partnership is also

known as paired relationship, pairing,

trusted device, and trusted pair on some

devices.

Phone

The application on your Treo 680 that

enables you to make and receive phone

calls.

PIM (personal information manager)

A genre of software that includes

applications such as Palm Desktop

software, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes,

and ACT!. PIMs generally store contacts,

schedules, tasks, and memos.

PIN (personal identification number)

The four-digit password assigned to your

SIM card by Cingular Wireless. Turning on

the PIN lock secures your wireless

account. See also PUK.

PIN2 (personal identification number 2)

A code that protects certain network

settings such as call barring or fixed dialing.

PUK (PIN unlock key)

A special extended password assigned to

your SIM card. If you enter the wrong PIN

more than three times, your SIM card will

be blocked and you must call Cingular

Wireless for the PUK.

Quick key

A letter that you can press and hold to

activate a favorite from any tab in the

Phone app. For example, create a

speed-dial button for your mother's

number and enter the letter M for “Mom”

TERMS

250

as the Quick Key. Then when you want to

call her, go to the Phone app and press and

hold M. Your Treo 680 dials the number.

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card

The smartcard, inserted in your Treo 680,

that contains your mobile account

information, such as your phone number

and the services to which you subscribe.

Phonebook entries and SMS messages

can also be stored on the SIM card.

Slide

A collection of text, pictures, videos, and

sounds that are grouped together within a

multimedia message created in the

Messaging application. During playback, all

the items within a particular slide appear

on the same screen. If a multimedia

message contains multiple slides, each

slide can be viewed separately during

playback.

SMS (Short Messaging Service)

The service that exchanges short text

messages almost instantly. Text messages

are typically sent to a mobile phone

number, rather than an email address

(although this too is possible). These

messages can usually include up to 160

characters; messages with more than 160

characters are automatically split into

several messages. You can send and

receive SMS messages while you are on a

voice call.

Streaming

Technology that enables you to access

media content—for example, watch video

or listen to an audio program—directly

from the Internet on your Treo 680 without

needing to download a file to save on your

Treo 680.

User folder

The folder on your computer that contains

the information you enter in Palm Desktop

software and the information you enter on

your Treo 680 and synchronize with

Palm Desktop software.

REGULATORY INFORMATION 251

Regulatory

information

FCC Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits

for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment

generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not

installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause

harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no

guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If

this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television

reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and

on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or

more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from

that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Antenna Care/Unauthorized Modifications

Use only the supplied integral antenna. Unauthorized antenna

modifications or attachments could damage the unit and may violate

FCC regulations. Any changes or modifications not expressly

approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the

user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Safety Statement

In order to comply with FCC RF exposure safety guidelines, users

MUST use one of the following types of bodyworn accessories.

1A Palm

® brand body-worn accessory that has been tested for

SAR compliance and is intended for use with this product.

2 An accessory that contains NO metal (snaps, clips, etc.) and

provides AT LEAST 1.5 cm of separation between the users body

and the unit.

Do NOT use the device in a manner such that it is in direct contact

with the body (i.e., on the lap or in a breast pocket). Such use will

likely exceed FCC RF safety exposure limits See www.fcc.gov/oet/

rfsafety/ for more information on RF exposure safety.

Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) for Wireless Devices

The SAR is a value that corresponds to the relative amount of RF

energy absorbed in the head of a user of a wireless handset.

The SAR value of a device is the result of an extensive testing,

measuring and calculation process. It does not represent how much

RF the device emits. All device models are tested at their highest

value in strict laboratory settings. But when in operation, the SAR of a

device can be substantially less than the level reported to the FCC.

This is because of a variety of factors including its proximity to a base

station antenna, device design and other factors. What is important

to remember is that each device meets strict federal guidelines.

Variations in SARs do not represent a variation in safety.

All devices must meet the federal standard, which incorporates a

substantial margin of safety. As stated above, variations in SAR

values between different model devices do not mean variations in

safety. SAR values at or below the federal standard of 1.6 W/kg are

considered safe for use by the public.

To view the highest reported (FCC) SAR values of the Palm®Treo™

680 smart device, visit www.palm.com/38086.

FCC Radiofrequency Emission

This device meets the FCC Radiofrequency Emission Guidelines and

is certified with the FCC as.

FCC ID number: O8F850.

Industry Canada ID number: 3905A-850

More information on the device's SAR can be found from the

following FCC Website:

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/cf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

252

(The following information comes from a consumer information

Website jointly sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), entitled

“Cell Phone Facts: Consumer Information on Wireless Phones.” The

information reproduced herein is dated July 29, 2003. For further

updates, please visit the Website:

http://www.fda.gov/cellphones/qa.html.)

What is radiofrequency energy (RF)? Radiofrequency energy (RF)

is another name for radio waves. It is one form of electromagnetic

energy that makes up the electromagnetic spectrum. Some of the

other forms of energy in the electromagnetic spectrum are gamma

rays, x-rays and light. Electromagnetic energy (or electromagnetic

radiation) consists of waves of electric and magnetic energy moving

together (radiating) through space. The area where these waves are

found is called an electromagnetic field.

Radio waves are created due to the movement of electrical charges in

antennas. As they are created, these waves radiate away from the

antenna. All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light. The

major differences between the different types of waves are the

distances covered by one cycle of the wave and the number of waves

that pass a certain point during a set time period. The wavelength is

the distance covered by one cycle of a wave. The frequency is the

number of waves passing a given point in one second. For any

electromagnetic wave, the wavelength multiplied by the frequency

equals the speed of light. The frequency of an RF signal is usually

expressed in units called hertz (Hz). One Hz equals one wave per

second. One kilohertz (kHz) equals one thousand waves per second,

one megahertz (MHz) equals one million waves per second, and one

gigahertz (GHz) equals one billion waves per second.

RF energy includes waves with frequencies ranging from about 3000

waves per second (3 kHz) to 300 billion waves per second (300 GHz).

Microwaves are a subset of radio waves that have frequencies

ranging from around 300 million waves per second (300 MHz) to

three billion waves per second (3 GHz).

How is radiofrequency energy used? Probably the most

important use of RF energy is for telecommunications. Radio and TV

broadcasting, wireless phones, pagers, cordless phones, police and

fire department radios, point-to-point links and satellite

communications all rely on RF energy.

Other uses of RF energy include microwave ovens, radar, industrial

heaters and sealers, and medical treatments. RF energy, especially at

microwave frequencies, can heat water. Since most food has a high

water content, microwaves can cook food quickly. Radar relies on RF

energy to track cars and airplanes as well as for military applications.

Industrial heaters and sealers use RF energy to mold plastic

materials, glue wood products, seal leather items such as shoes and

pocketbooks, and process food. Medical uses of RF energy include

pacemaker monitoring and programming.

How is radiofrequency radiation measured? RF waves and RF

fields have both electrical and magnetic components. It is often

convenient to express the strength of the RF field in terms of each

component. For example, the unit “volts per meter” (V/m) is used to

measure the electric field strength, and the unit “amperes per

meter” (A/m) is used to express the magnetic field strength. Another

common way to characterize an RF field is by means of the power

density. Power density is defined as power per unit area. For

example, power density can be expressed in terms of milliwatts (one

thousandth of a watt) per square centimeter (mW/cm2) or microwatts

(one millionth of a watt) per square centimeter (µW/cm2).

The quantity used to measure how much RF energy is actually

absorbed by the body is called the Specific Absorption Rate or SAR.

The SAR is a measure of the rate of absorption of RF energy. It is

usually expressed in units of watts per kilogram (W/kg) or milliwatts

per gram (mW/g).

What biological effects can be caused by RF

energy? The biological effects of radiofrequency energy should not

be confused with the effects from other types of electromagnetic

energy.

Very high levels of electromagnetic energy, such as is found in X-rays

and gamma rays, can ionize biological tissues. Ionization is a process

where electrons are stripped away from their normal locations in

atoms and molecules. It can permanently damage biological tissues

including DNA, the genetic material. Ionization only occurs with very

high levels of electromagnetic energy such as X-rays and gamma

rays. Often the term radiation is used when discussing ionizing

radiation (such as that associated with nuclear power plants).

REGULATORY INFORMATION 253

The energy levels associated with radiofrequency energy, including

both radio waves and microwaves, are not great enough to cause the

ionization of atoms and molecules. Therefore, RF energy is a type of

non-ionizing radiation. Other types of non-ionizing radiation include

visible light, infrared radiation (heat) and other forms of

electromagnetic radiation with relatively low frequencies.

Large amounts of RF energy can heat tissue. This can damage

tissues and increase body temperatures. Two areas of the body, the

eyes and the testes, are particularly vulnerable to RF heating because

there is relatively little blood flow in them to carry away excess heat.

The amount of RF radiation routinely encountered by the general

public is too low to produce significant heating or increased body

temperature. Still, some people have questions about the possible

health effects of low levels of RF energy. It is generally agreed that

further research is needed to determine what effects actually occur

and whether they are dangerous to people. In the meantime,

standards-setting organizations and government agencies are

continuing to monitor the latest scientific findings to determine

whether changes in safety limits are needed to protect human health.

FDA, EPA and other US government agencies responsible for public

health and safety have worked together and in connection with WHO

to monitor developments and identify research needs related to RF

biological effects.

What levels of RF energy are considered safe? Various

organizations and countries have developed standards for exposure

to radiofrequency energy. These standards recommend safe levels of

exposure for both the general public and for workers. In the United

States, the FCC has used safety guidelines for RF environmental

exposure since 1985.

The FCC guidelines for human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields

are derived from the recommendations of two expert organizations,

the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements

(NCRP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

(IEEE). In both cases, the recommendations were developed by

scientific and engineering experts drawn from industry, government,

and academia after extensive reviews of the scientific literature

related to the biological effects of RF energy.

Many countries in Europe and elsewhere use exposure guidelines

developed by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation

Protection (ICNIRP). The ICNIRP safety limits are generally similar to

those of the NCRP and IEEE, with a few exceptions. For example,

ICNIRP recommends different exposure levels in the lower and upper

frequency ranges and for localized exposure from certain products

such as hand-held wireless telephones. Currently, the World Health

Organization is working to provide a framework for international

harmonization of RF safety standards.

The NCRP, IEEE, and ICNIRP all have identified a whole-body Specific

Absorption Rate (SAR) value of 4 watts per kilogram (4 W/kg) as a

threshold level of exposure at which harmful biological effects may

occur. Exposure guidelines in terms of field strength, power density

and localized SAR were then derived from this threshold value. In

addition, the NCRP, IEEE, and ICNIRP guidelines vary depending on

the frequency of the RF exposure. This is due to the finding that

whole-body human absorption of RF energy varies with the

frequency of the RF signal. The most restrictive limits on whole-body

exposure are in the frequency range of 30-300 MHz where the

human body absorbs RF energy most efficiently. For products that

only expose part of the body, such as wireless phones, exposure

limits in terms of SAR only are specified.

The exposure limits used by the FCC are expressed in terms of SAR,

electric and magnetic field strength, and power density for

transmitters operating at frequencies from 300 kHz to 100 GHz. The

specific values can be found in two FCC bulletins, OET Bulletins 56

and 65: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#56;

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#65.

Why has the FCC adopted guidelines for RF exposure? The FCC

authorizes and licenses products, transmitters, and facilities that

generate RF and microwave radiation. It has jurisdiction over all

transmitting services in the U.S. except those specifically operated by

the Federal Government. While the FCC does not have the expertise

to determine radiation exposure guidelines on its own, it does have

the expertise and authority to recognize and adopt technically sound

standards promulgated by other expert agencies and organizations,

and has done so. (Our joint efforts with the FDA in developing this

website is illustrative of the kind of inter-agency efforts and

consultation we engage in regarding this health and safety issue.)

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254

Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), the FCC

has certain responsibilities to consider whether its actions will

significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore,

FCC approval and licensing of transmitters and facilities must be

evaluated for significant impact on the environment. Human

exposure to RF radiation emitted by FCC-regulated transmitters is

one of several factors that must be considered in such environmental

evaluations. In 1996, the FCC revised its guidelines for RF exposure

as a result of a multi-year proceeding and as required by the

Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Radio and television broadcast stations, satellite-earth stations,

experimental radio stations and certain wireless communication

facilities are required to undergo routine evaluation for RF compliance

when they submit an application to the FCC for construction or

modification of a transmitting facility or renewal of a license. Failure

to comply with the FCC's RF exposure guidelines could lead to the

preparation of a formal Environmental Assessment, possible

Environmental Impact Statement and eventual rejection of an

application. Technical guidelines for evaluating compliance with the

FCC.

RF safety requirements can be found in the FCC's OET Bulletin 65:

http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#65.

Low-powered, intermittent, or inaccessible RF transmitters and

facilities are normally excluded from the requirement for routine

evaluation for RF exposure. These exclusions are based on standard

calculations and measurement data indicating that a transmitting

station or equipment operating under the conditions prescribed is

unlikely to cause exposures in excess of the guidelines under normal

conditions of use. Such exclusions are not exclusions from

compliance, but, rather, exclusions from routine evaluation. The

FCC's policies on RF exposure and categorical exclusion can be found

in Section 1.1307(b) of the FCC's Rules and Regulations [(47 CFR

1.1307(b)].

How can I obtain the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) value for

my wireless phone? The FCC requires that wireless phones sold in

the United States demonstrate compliance with human exposure

limits adopted by the FCC in 1996. The relative amount of RF energy

absorbed in the head of a wireless telephone-user is given by the

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), as explained above. The FCC requires

wireless phones to comply with a safety limit of 1.6 watts per

kilogram (1.6 W/kg) in terms of SAR.

Information on SAR for a specific phone model can be obtained for

many recently manufactured phones using the FCC identification (ID)

number for that model. The FCC ID number is usually printed

somewhere on the case of the phone. Sometimes it may be

necessary to remove the battery pack to find the number. Once you

have the ID number, go to the following Web address: www.fcc.gov/

oet/fccid. On this page, you will see instructions for entering the FCC

ID number. Type the FCC ID number exactly as requested (the

Grantee Code is the first three characters, the Equipment Product

Code is the rest of the FCC ID number). Then click on “Start Search.”

The “Grant of Equipment Authorization” for your telephone should

appear. Read through the grant for the section on “SAR Compliance,”

“Certification of Compliance with FCC Rules for RF Exposure” or

similar language. This section should contain the value(s) for typical or

maximum SAR for your phone.

Phones and other products authorized since June 2, 2000, should

have the maximum SAR levels noted directly on the “Grant of

Equipment Authorization.” For phones and products authorized

between about mid-1998 and June 2000, detailed information on

SAR levels is typically found in the exhibits associated with the grant.

Once a grant is accessed, the exhibits can be viewed by clicking on

“View Exhibit.” Grants authorized prior to 1998 are not part of the

electronic database but, rather, have been documented in the form of

paper records.

The FCC database does not list phones by model number. However,

consumers may find SAR information from other sources as well.

Some wireless phone manufacturers make SAR information available

on their own Web sites. In addition, some non-government websites

provide SARs for specific models of wireless phones. However, the

FCC has not reviewed these sites and makes no guarantees of their

accuracy. Finally, phones certified by the Cellular Telecommunications

and Internet Association (CTIA) are required to provide SAR

information to consumers in the instructional materials that come

with the phones.

Do hands-free kits for wireless phones reduce risks from

exposure to RF emissions? Since there are no known risks from

exposure to RF emissions from wireless phones, there is no reason

REGULATORY INFORMATION 255

to believe that hands-free kits reduce risks. Hands-free kits can be

used with wireless phones for convenience and comfort. These

systems reduce the absorption of RF energy in the head because the

phone, which is the source of the RF emissions, will not be placed

against the head. On the other hand, if the phone is mounted against

the waist or other part of the body during use, then that part of the

body will absorb more RF energy. Wireless phones marketed in the

U.S. are required to meet safety requirements regardless of whether

they are used against the head or against the body. Either

configuration should result in compliance with the safety limit.

Do wireless phone accessories that claim to shield the head from

RF radiation work? Since there are no known risks from exposure

to RF emissions from wireless phones, there is no reason to believe

that accessories that claim to shield the head from those emissions

reduce risks. Some products that claim to shield the user from RF

absorption use special phone cases, while others involve nothing

more than a metallic accessory attached to the phone. Studies have

shown that these products generally do not work as advertised.

Unlike “hand-free” kits, these so-called “shields” may interfere with

proper operation of the phone. The phone may be forced to boost its

power to compensate, leading to an increase in RF absorption. In

February 2002, the Federal trade Commission (FTC) charged two

companies that sold devices that claimed to protect wireless phone

users from radiation with making false and unsubstantiated claims.

According to FTC, these defendants lacked a reasonable basis to

substantiate their claim.

What are wireless telephone base stations? Fixed antennas used

for wireless telecommunications are referred to as cellular base

stations, cell stations, PCS (“Personal Communications Service”)

stations or telephone transmission towers. These base stations

consist of antennas and electronic equipment. Because the antennas

need to be high in the air, they are often located on towers, poles,

water tanks, or rooftops. Typical heights for freestanding base station

towers are 50-200 feet.

Some base stations use antennas that look like poles, 10 to 15 feet in

length, that are referred to as “omni-directional” antennas. These

types of antennas are usually found in rural areas. In urban and

suburban areas, wireless providers now more commonly use panel

or sector antennas for their base stations. These antennas consist of

rectangular panels, about 1 by 4 feet in dimension. The antennas are

usually arranged in three groups of three antennas each. One

antenna in each group is used to transmit signals to wireless phones,

and the other two antennas in each group are used to receive signals

from wireless phones.

At any base station site, the amount of RF energy produced depends

on the number of radio channels (transmitters) per antenna and the

power of each transmitter. Typically, 21 channels per antenna sector

are available. For a typical cell site using sector antennas, each of the

three transmitting antennas could be connected to up to 21

transmitters for a total of 63 transmitters. However, it is unlikely that

all of the transmitters would be transmitting at the same time. When

omni-directional antennas are used, a cellular base station could

theoretically use up to 96 transmitters, but this would be very

unusual, and, once again, it is unlikely that all transmitters would be in

operation simultaneously. Base stations used for PCS

communications generally require fewer transmitters than those

used for cellular radio transmissions, since PCS carriers usually have

a higher density of base station antenna sites.

Are wireless telephone base stations safe? The electromagnetic

RF signals transmitted from base station antennas stations travel

toward the horizon in relatively narrow paths. For example, the

radiation pattern for an antenna array mounted on a tower can be

likened to a thin pancake centered around the antenna system. The

individual pattern for a single array of sector antennas is

wedge-shaped, like a piece of pie. As with all forms of

electromagnetic energy, the power decreases rapidly as one moves

away from the antenna. Therefore, RF exposure on the ground is

much less than exposure very close to the antenna and in the path of

the transmitted radio signal. In fact, ground-level exposure from such

antennas is typically thousands of times less than the exposure levels

recommended as safe by expert organizations. So exposure to

nearby residents would be well within safety margins.

Cellular and PCS base stations in the United States are required to

comply with limits for exposure recommended by expert

organizations and endorsed by government agencies responsible for

health and safety. Measurements made near cellular and PCS base

station antennas mounted on towers have confirmed that

ground-level exposures are typically thousands of times less than the

exposure limits adopted by the FCC. In fact, in order to be exposed to

levels at or near the FCC limits for cellular or PCS frequencies an

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256

individual would essentially have to remain in the main transmitted

radio signal (at the height of the antenna) and within a few feet from

the antenna. This is, of course, very unlikely to occur.

When cellular and PCS antennas are mounted on rooftops, RF levels

on that roof or on others near by would probably be greater than those

typically encountered on the ground. However, exposure levels

approaching or exceeding safety guidelines should be encountered

only very close to or directly in front of the antennas. In addition, for

sector-type antennas, typically used for such rooftop base stations, RF

levels to the side and in back of these antennas are insignificant.

General guidelines on antenna installations and circumstances that

might give rise to a concern about a facility's conformance with FCC

regulations can be found in A Local Government Official's Guide to

Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety: Rules, Procedures, and

Practical Guidance. This Guide can be accessed at: http://

www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety.

Who regulates exposure to radiation from microwave ovens,

television sets and computer monitors? The Food and Drug

Administration is responsible for protecting the public from harmful

radiation emissions from these consumer products.

Does the FCC routinely monitor radiofrequency radiation from

antennas? The FCC does not have the resources or the personnel

to routinely monitor the emissions for all the thousands of

transmitters that are subject to FCC jurisdiction. However, the FCC

does have measurement instrumentation for evaluating RF levels in

areas that may be accessible to the public or to workers. If there is

evidence for potential non-compliance with FCC exposure guidelines

for a FCC-regulated facility, staff from the FCC's Office of Engineering

and Technology or the FCC Enforcement Bureau can conduct an

investigation, and, if appropriate, perform actual measurements.

Circumstances that could give rise to a concern about a facility's

conformance with FCC regulations can be found in A Local

Government Official's Guide to Transmitting Antenna RF Emission

Safety: Rules, Procedures, and Practical Guidance. This Guide can be

accessed at: http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety. Potential exposure

problems should be brought to the FCC's attention by contacting the

FCC RF Safety Program at: 202-418-2464 or by email:

rfsafety@fcc.gov.

Does the FCC maintain a database that includes information on

the location and technical parameters of all the transmitting

towers it regulates? Each of the FCC Bureaus maintains its own

licensing database system for the service(s) it regulates (e.g.,

television, cellular service, satellite earth stations.) The FCC issues

two types of licenses: site specific and market based. In the case of

site specific licensed facilities, technical operating information is

collected from the licensee as part of the licensing process. However,

in the case of market based licensing (e.g., PCS, cellular), the

licensee is granted the authority to operate a radio communications

system in a geographic area using as many facilities as are required,

and the licensee is not required to provide the FCC with specific

location and operating parameters of these facilities.

Information on site specific licensed facilities can be found in the

“General Menu Reports” (GenMen) at http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/

ws.exe/genmen/index.hts.

The various FCC Bureaus also publish on at least a weekly basis, bulk

extracts of their licensing databases. Each licensing database has its

own unique file structure. These extracts consist of multiple, very

large files. The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)

maintains an index to these databases at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/

database/fadb.html. Entry points into the various databases include

frequency, state/county, latitude/longitude, call-sign and licensee

name. For further information on the Commission's existing

databases, you can contact Donald Campbell at dcampbel@fcc.gov or

202-418-2405.

Can local and state governmental bodies establish limits for RF

exposure? Although some local and state governments have

enacted rules and regulations about human exposure to RF energy in

the past, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 requires the Federal

Government to control human exposure to RF emissions. In

particular, Section 704 of the Act states that, “No State or local

government or instrumentality thereof may regulate the placement,

construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities

on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency

emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the

Commission's regulations concerning such emissions.” Further

information on federal authority and FCC policy is available in a fact

sheet from the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at

www.fcc.gov/wtb.

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Do wireless phones pose a health hazard? The available scientific

evidence does not show that any health problems are associated

with using wireless phones. There is no proof, however, that wireless

phones are absolutely safe. Wireless phones emit low levels of

radiofrequency energy (RF) in the microwave range while being used.

They also emit very low levels of RF when in the stand-by mode.

Whereas high levels of RF can produce health effects (by heating

tissue), exposure to low level RF that does not produce heating

effects causes no known adverse health effects. Many studies of low

level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some

studies have suggested that some biological effects may occur, but

such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. In

some cases, other researchers have had difficulty in reproducing

those studies, or in determining the reasons for inconsistent results.

What is FDA's role concerning the safety of wireless

phones? Under the law, FDA does not review the safety of

radiation-emitting consumer products such as wireless phones

before they can be sold, as it does with new drugs or medical

devices. However, the agency has authority to take action if wireless

phones are shown to emit radiofrequency energy (RF) at a level that

is hazardous to the user. In such a case, FDA could require the

manufacturers of wireless phones to notify users of the health hazard

and to repair, replace or recall the phones so that the hazard no longer

exists.

Although the existing scientific data do not justify FDA regulatory

actions, FDA has urged the wireless phone industry to take a number

of steps, including the following:

• Support needed research into possible biological effects of RF of

the type emitted by wireless phones;

• Design wireless phones in a way that minimizes any RF exposure

to the user that is not necessary for device function; and

• Cooperate in providing users of wireless phones with the best

possible information on possible effects of wireless phone use

on human health

FDA belongs to an interagency working group of the federal agencies

that have responsibility for different aspects of RF safety to ensure

coordinated efforts at the federal level. The following agencies belong

to this working group:

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Federal Communications Commission

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• National Telecommunications and Information Administration

The National Institutes of Health participates in some interagency

working group activities, as well.

FDA shares regulatory responsibilities for wireless phones with the

Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All phones that are sold

in the United States must comply with FCC safety guidelines that

limit RF exposure. FCC relies on FDA and other health agencies for

safety questions about wireless phones.

FCC also regulates the base stations that the wireless phone

networks rely upon. While these base stations operate at higher

power than do the wireless phones themselves, the RF exposures

that people get from these base stations are typically thousands of

times lower than those they can get from wireless phones. Base

stations are thus not the primary subject of the safety questions

discussed in this document.

What kinds of phones are the subject of this update? The term

“wireless phone” refers here to hand-held wireless phones with

built-in antennas, often called “cell,” “mobile,” or “PCS” phones.

These types of wireless phones can expose the user to measurable

radiofrequency energy (RF) because of the short distance between

the phone and the user's head. These RF exposures are limited by

Federal Communications Commission safety guidelines that were

developed with the advice of FDA and other federal health and safety

agencies. When the phone is located at greater distances from the

user, the exposure to RF is drastically lower because a person's RF

exposure decreases rapidly with increasing distance from the source.

The so-called “cordless phones,” which have a base unit connected

to the telephone wiring in a house, typically operate at far lower

power levels, and thus produce RF exposures well within the FCC's

compliance limits.

What are the results of the research done already? The research

done thus far has produced conflicting results, and many studies

have suffered from flaws in their research methods. Animal

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258

experiments investigating the effects of radiofrequency energy (RF)

exposures characteristic of wireless phones have yielded conflicting

results that often cannot be repeated in other laboratories. A few

animal studies, however, have suggested that low levels of RF could

accelerate the development of cancer in laboratory animals.

However, many of the studies that showed increased tumor

development used animals that had been genetically engineered or

treated with cancer-causing chemicals so as to be pre-disposed to

develop cancer in the absence of RF exposure. Other studies

exposed the animals to RF for up to 22 hours per day. These

conditions are not similar to the conditions under which people use

wireless phones, so we don't know with certainty what the results of

such studies mean for human health.

Three large epidemiology studies have been published since

December 2000. Between them, the studies investigated any

possible association between the use of wireless phones and

primary brain cancer, glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma,

tumors of the brain or salivary gland, leukemia, or other cancers.

None of the studies demonstrated the existence of any harmful

health effects from wireless phone RF exposures. However, none of

the studies can answer questions about long-term exposures, since

the average period of phone use in these studies was around three

years.

What research is needed to decide whether RF exposure from

wireless phones poses a health risk? A combination of laboratory

studies and epidemiological studies of people actually using wireless

phones would provide some of the data that are needed. Lifetime

animal exposure studies could be completed in a few years.

However, very large numbers of animals would be needed to provide

reliable proof of a cancer promoting effect if one exists.

Epidemiological studies can provide data that is directly applicable to

human populations, but 10 or more years' follow-up may be needed

to provide answers about some health effects, such as cancer. This is

because the interval between the time of exposure to a

cancer-causing agent and the time tumors develop—if they do—may

be many, many years. The interpretation of epidemiological studies is

hampered by difficulties in measuring actual RF exposure during

day-to-day use of wireless phones. Many factors affect this

measurement, such as the angle at which the phone is held, or which

model of phone is used.

What is FDA doing to find out more about the possible health

effects of wireless phone RF? FDA is working with the U.S.

National Toxicology Program and with groups of investigators around

the world to ensure that high priority animal studies are conducted to

address important questions about the effects of exposure to

radiofrequency energy (RF).

FDA has been a leading participant in the World Health Organization

International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project since its inception

in 1996. An influential result of this work has been the development

of a detailed agenda of research needs that has driven the

establishment of new research programs around the world. The

Project has also helped develop a series of public information

documents on EMF issues.

FDA and the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association

(CTIA) have a formal Cooperative Research and Development

Agreement (CRADA) to do research on wireless phone safety. FDA

provides the scientific oversight, obtaining input from experts in

government, industry, and academic organizations. CTIA-funded

research is conducted through contracts to independent

investigators. The initial research will include both laboratory studies

and studies of wireless phone users. The CRADA will also include a

broad assessment of additional research needs in the context of the

latest research developments around the world.

What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to radiofrequency

energy from my wireless phone? If there is a risk from these

products--and at this point we do not know that there is--it is probably

very small. But if you are concerned about avoiding even potential

risks, you can take a few simple steps to minimize your exposure to

radiofrequency energy (RF). Since time is a key factor in how much

exposure a person receives, reducing the amount of time spent using

a wireless phone will reduce RF exposure.

If you must conduct extended conversations by wireless phone every

day, you could place more distance between your body and the

source of the RF, since the exposure level drops off dramatically with

distance. For example, you could use a headset and carry the

wireless phone away from your body or use a wireless phone

connected to a remote antenna.

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Again, the scientific data do not demonstrate that wireless phones

are harmful. But if you are concerned about the RF exposure from

these products, you can use measures like those described above to

reduce your RF exposure from wireless phone use.

What about children using wireless phones? The scientific

evidence does not show a danger to users of wireless phones,

including children and teenagers. If you want to take steps to lower

exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF), the measures described

above would apply to children and teenagers using wireless phones.

Reducing the time of wireless phone use and increasing the distance

between the user and the RF source will reduce RF exposure.

Some groups sponsored by other national governments have advised

that children be discouraged from using wireless phones at all. For

example, the government in the United Kingdom distributed leaflets

containing such a recommendation in December 2000. They noted

that no evidence exists that using a wireless phone causes brain

tumors or other ill effects. Their recommendation to limit wireless

phone use by children was strictly precautionary; it was not based on

scientific evidence that any health hazard exists.

What about wireless phone interference with medical

equipment? Radiofrequency energy (RF) from wireless phones can

interact with some electronic devices. For this reason, FDA helped

develop a detailed test method to measure electromagnetic

interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators

from wireless telephones. This test method is now part of a standard

sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical

instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by FDA, medical

device manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late

2000. This standard will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac

pacemakers and defibrillators are safe from wireless phone EMI.

FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld wireless

phones and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard

specifies test methods and performance requirements for hearing

aids and wireless phones so that no interference occurs when a

person uses a “compatible” phone and a “compatible” hearing aid at

the same time. This standard was approved by the IEEE in 2000.

FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless phones for possible

interactions with other medical devices. Should harmful interference

be found to occur, FDA will conduct testing to assess the

interference and work to resolve the problem.

Which other federal agencies have responsibilities related to

potential RF health effects? Certain agencies in the Federal

Government have been involved in monitoring, researching or

regulating issues related to human exposure to RF radiation. These

agencies include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational

Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Telecommunications and

Information Administration (NTIA) and the Department of Defense

(DOD).

By authority of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of

1968, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the

FDA develops performance standards for the emission of radiation

from electronic products including X-ray equipment, other medical

devices, television sets, microwave ovens, laser products and

sunlamps. The CDRH established a product performance standard for

microwave ovens in 1971 limiting the amount of RF leakage from

ovens. However, the CDRH has not adopted performance standards

for other RF-emitting products. The FDA is, however, the lead federal

health agency in monitoring the latest research developments and

advising other agencies with respect to the safety of RF-emitting

products used by the public, such as cellular and PCS phones.

The FDA's microwave oven standard is an emission standard (as

opposed to an exposure standard) that allows specific levels of

microwave leakage (measured at five centimeters from the oven

surface). The standard also requires ovens to have two independent

interlock systems that prevent the oven from generating microwaves

the moment that the latch is released or the door of the oven is

opened. The FDA has stated that ovens that meet its standards and are

used according to the manufacturer's recommendations are safe for

consumer and industrial use. More information is available from:

www.fda.gov/cdrh.

The EPA has, in the past, considered developing federal guidelines for

public exposure to RF radiation. However, EPA activities related to RF

safety and health are presently limited to advisory functions. For

example, the EPA now chairs an Inter-agency Radiofrequency

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260

Working Group, which coordinates RF health-related activities among

the various federal agencies with health or regulatory responsibilities

in this area.

OSHA is responsible for protecting workers from exposure to

hazardous chemical and physical agents. In 1971, OSHA issued a

protection guide for exposure of workers to RF radiation [29 CFR

1910.97]. However, this guide was later ruled to be only advisory and

not mandatory. Moreover, it was based on an earlier RF exposure

standard that has now been revised. At the present time, OSHA uses

the IEEE and/or FCC exposure guidelines for enforcement purposes

under OSHA's “general duty clause” (for more information see:

http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/radiofrequencyradiation/index.html.

NIOSH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

It conducts research and investigations into issues related to

occupational exposure to chemical and physical agents. NIOSH has,

in the past, undertaken to develop RF exposure guidelines for

workers, but final guidelines were never adopted by the agency.

NIOSH conducts safety-related RF studies through its Physical

Agents Effects Branch in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The NTIA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is

responsible for authorizing Federal Government use of the RF

electromagnetic spectrum. Like the FCC, the NTIA also has NEPA

responsibilities and has considered adopting guidelines for evaluating

RF exposure from U.S. Government transmitters such as radar and

military facilities.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has conducted research on the

biological effects of RF energy for a number of years. This research is

now conducted primarily at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory

located at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. The DOD Web site for RF

biological effects information is listed with other sites in conjunction

with a question on other sources of information, below.

Who funds and carries out research on the biological effects of

RF energy? Research into possible biological effects of RF energy

is carried out in laboratories in the United States and around the

world. In the U.S., most research has been funded by the

Department of Defense, due to the extensive military use of RF

equipment such as radar and high-powered radio transmitters. In

addition, some federal agencies responsible for health and safety,

such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have sponsored and conducted

research in this area. At the present time, most of the non-military

research on biological effects of RF energy in the U.S. is being funded

by industry organizations. More research is being carried out

overseas, particularly in Europe.

In 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the

International EMF Project to review the scientific literature and work

towards resolution of health concerns over the use of RF technology.

WHO maintains a Web site that provides extensive information on

this project and about RF biological effects and research

(www.who.ch/peh-emf).

FDA, EPA and other US government agencies responsible for public

health and safety have worked together and in connection with WHO

to monitor developments and identify research needs related to RF

biological effects.

How does FCC audit cell phone RF? After FCC grants permission

for a particular cellular telephone to be marketed, FCC will

occasionally conduct “post-grant” testing to determine whether

production versions of the phone are being produced to conform with

FCC regulatory requirements. The manufacturer of a cell phone that

does not meet FCC's regulatory requirements may be required to

remove the cell phone from use and to refund the purchase price or

provide a replacement phone, and may be subject to civil or criminal

penalties. In addition, if the cell phone presents a risk of injury to the

user, FDA may also take regulatory action. The most important

post-grant test, from a consumer's perspective, is testing of the RF

emissions of the phone. FCC measures the Specific Absorption Rate

(SAR) of the phone, following a very rigorous testing protocol. As is

true for nearly any scientific measurement, there is a possibility that

the test measurement may be less than or greater than the actual RF

emitted by the phone. This difference between the RF test

measurement and actual RF emission is because test measurements

are limited by instrument accuracy, because test measurement and

actual use environments are different, and other variable factors. This

inherent variability is known as “measurement uncertainty.” When

FCC conducts post-grant testing of a cell phone, FCC takes into

account any measurement uncertainty to when determining whether

regulatory action is appropriate. This approach ensures that

when FCC takes regulatory action, it will have a sound, defensible

scientific basis.

REGULATORY INFORMATION 261

FDA scientific staff reviewed the methodology used by FCC to

measure cell phone RF, and agreed it is an acceptable approach,

given our current understanding of the risks presented by cellular

phone RF emissions. RF emissions from cellular phones have not

been shown to present a risk of injury to the user when the

measured SAR is less than the safety limits set by FCC (an SAR of 1.6

w/kg). Even in a case where the maximum measurement uncertainty

permitted by current measurement standards was added to the

maximum permissible SAR, the resulting SAR value would be well

below any level known to produce an acute effect. Consequently,

FCC's approach with measurement uncertainty will not result in

consumers being exposed to any known risk from the RF emitted by

cellular telephones.

FDA will continue to monitor studies and literature reports concerning

acute effects of cell phone RF, and concerning chronic effects of

long-term exposure to cellular telephone RF (that is, the risks from

using a cell phone for many years). If new information leads FDA to

believe that a change to FCC's measurement policy may be

appropriate, FDA will contact FCC and both agencies will work

together to develop a mutually-acceptable approach.

Static Electricity, ESD, and Your Palm® Device

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause damage to electronic devices

if discharged into the device, so you should take steps to avoid such

an occurrence.

Description of ESD Static electricity is an electrical charge caused by

the buildup of excess electrons on the surface of a material. To most

people, static electricity and ESD are nothing more than annoyances.

For example, after walking over a carpet while scuffing your feet,

building up electrons on your body, you may get a shock—the

discharge event—when you touch a metal doorknob. This little shock

discharges the built-up static electricity.

ESD-susceptible equipment Even a small amount of ESD can

harm circuitry, so when working with electronic devices, take

measures to help protect your electronic devices, including your

Palm® device, from ESD harm. While Palm has built protections

against ESD into its products, ESD unfortunately exists and, unless

neutralized, could build up to levels that could harm your equipment.

Any electronic device that contains an external entry point for

plugging in anything from cables to docking stations is susceptible to

entry of ESD. Devices that you carry with you, such as your Palm

device, build up ESD in a unique way because the static electricity

that may have built up on your body is automatically passed to the

device. Then, when the device is connected to another device such

as a docking station, a discharge event can occur.

Precautions against ESD Make sure to discharge any built-up

static electricity from yourself and your electronic devices before

touching an electronic device or connecting one device to another.

The recommendation from Palm is that you take this precaution

before connecting your Palm device to your computer, placing a

device in a cradle, or connecting it to any other device. You can do

this in many ways, including the following:

• Ground yourself when you’re holding your device by

simultaneously touching a metal surface that is at earth ground.

For example, if your computer has a metal case and is plugged

into a standard three-prong grounded outlet, touching the case

should discharge the ESD on your body.

• Increase the relative humidity of your environment.

• Install ESD-specific prevention items, such as grounding mats.

Conditions that enhance ESD occurrences Conditions that can

contribute to the buildup of static electricity in the environment

include the following:

• Low relative humidity.

• Material type. (The type of material gathering the charge. For

example, synthetics are more prone to static buildup than natural

fibers like cotton.)

• The rapidity with which you touch, connect, or disconnect

electronic devices.

While you should always take appropriate precautions to discharge

static electricity, if you are in an environment where you notice ESD

events, you may want to take extra precautions to protect your

electronic equipment against ESD.

Precaution against hearing loss Protect your hearing. Listening to

this device at full volume for a long period of time can damage your

hearing.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

262

A pleine puissance, l'écoute prolongée du baladeur peut

endommager l'oreille de l'utilisateur. Consultez notre site web

www.palm.com/fr pour plus d'informations.

Waste disposal Please recycle appropriately. For appropriate

recycling and disposal instructions please visit: www.palm.com/

environment.

SPECIFICATIONS 263

Specifications

Radio •GSM 850/900/1800/1900 quad band world phone

•GPRS class 10, class B

•EDGE up to 59kbps per time-slot

•Supports CSD (circuit-switched data)

Phone features •Speakerphone

•Hands-free headset jack (2.5mm, 3 or 4-barrel connector)

•Microphone mute option

•TTY/TDD compatible

•3-way calling

Processor technology Intel PXA270 Bulverde processor, 312MHz

Expansion SD/MultiMediaCard/SDIO card slot

Battery •1200mAH, rechargeable lithium ion

•Removable for replacement

Palm OS® version Palm OS 5.4.9

Camera

(camera version only)

•Still image capture resolution (640 x 480)

•2x digital zoom

•Video capture resolution (320 x 240)

•Automatic light balance

Size 4.44 in. x 2.33 in. x 0.84 in. (112.9mm x 59.3mm x 22.4mm)

Weight 5.6 ounces (157 grams)

SPECIFICATIONS

264

Connectivity •IR

•Bluetooth® wireless technology (1.2 compliant)

Display •Touch-sensitive LCD screen (includes stylus)

•65,536 colors (16-bit color)

•User-adjustable brightness

•320 x 320 resolution

Keyboard •Built-in QWERTY keyboard plus 5-way navigator

•Backlight for low lighting conditions

Included software •Phone (including Favorites

and Dial Pad)

•Pictures & Videos

(includes camera and

camcorder)

•Messaging (text and

multimedia)

•Blazer® web browser

(Internet)

•Pocket Tunes™

•Xpress Mail

(download required)

•Good Link

(download required)

•VersaMail® (email)

•Contacts

•Calendar

•Memos

•Tasks

•Voice Memo

•Documents To Go

Professional®

•Calculator Basic and

Advanced

•World Clock

•Palm®Desktop software

SPECIFICATIONS 265

System requirements •Windows 2000 or XP with USB port

•Mac OS 10.2 –10.3 with USB port

•Later versions may also be supported

Operating and storage

temperature range

•32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)

•5% to 90% relative humidity (RH)

SPECIFICATIONS

266

INDEX 267

Index

SYMBOLS

! in Tasks list 160

NUMERICS

24-hour clock 199

3G2 files 134, 138

3GP files 134

5-way navigator

accessing applications and

accessing command

buttons and 29

answering phone calls and

205

entering alternate

characters and 33

highlighting and selecting

items and 28

location of 7

moving around screen and

navigating pick lists and 30

scrolling web pages and

112

selecting menu items and

911 calls 76, 205

AC charger 11, 12

accented characters 33, 34

accessing

Alert dialog box 171

alternate character list 34

application menus 29

applications 36, 37

Applications View 35

calculator 172

Call Log 46

camera 129

command buttons 29

Compose dialog box 98,

corporate servers 212

Dial Pad 51

email 81–83, 97, 212

Favorites pages 45

files 165, 212

HotSync manager 183

information 206

items on expansion cards

191

items on pick lists 30

music player 141

on-device documentation

245

Palm online support 245

Pocket Tunes 143

Quick Tour 245

secure websites 111,

112, 238

voicemail 48, 49

web browser 36, 112

web pages 111, 113, 237

World Clock 157

accessories 7, 255

Account Name field 85

Account Setup command 85

Account Setup dialog box 85,

accounts

Palm 850 PDA Phone With GSM/GPRS/EDGE and Bluetooth User Manual 4 of 4

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