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Mobile telephones: A comparison of radiated power between 3G VoIP calls and 3G VoCS calls.

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Jovanovic D, Bragard G, Picard D, Chauvin S. · 2014

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VoIP calls through apps generate 3.4 times more phone radiation than traditional calls, revealing hidden exposure differences in modern communication.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers measured the radiation power from smartphones during voice calls, comparing traditional phone calls to internet-based calls (VoIP) like those made through apps. They found that VoIP calls emit about 3.4 times more radiation than traditional calls (0.75% versus 0.22% of maximum power), though both levels remained well below safety limits. This matters because millions of people now use VoIP apps for calling, potentially increasing their radiation exposure without realizing it.

Why This Matters

This study reveals an important but overlooked aspect of modern phone use: how we make calls affects our radiation exposure. While the researchers concluded that both call types remain within safety limits, their data shows VoIP calls generate over three times more radiation than traditional calls. What makes this significant is the massive shift toward internet-based calling through apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime. The science demonstrates that different technologies create different exposure patterns, even when using the same device. Put simply, your phone works harder and emits more radiation when routing calls through the internet rather than traditional cellular networks. What this means for you is that the way you communicate matters for your EMF exposure, and this difference isn't reflected in standard SAR ratings that assume traditional calling patterns.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 900 MHz - 1.95 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 900 MHz - 1.95 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1950 MHz

Study Details

The purpose of this study is to assess the mean RF power radiated by mobile telephones during voice calls in 3G VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) using an application well known to mobile Internet users, and to compare it with the mean power radiated during voice calls in 3G VoCS (Voice over Circuit Switch) on a traditional network

Knowing that the specific absorption rate (SAR) is proportional to the mean radiated power, the user...

In the framework of this study, the mean normalised power radiated by a telephone in 3G VoIP calls w...

Cite This Study
Jovanovic D, Bragard G, Picard D, Chauvin S. (2014). Mobile telephones: A comparison of radiated power between 3G VoIP calls and 3G VoCS calls. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2014 Nov 5. doi: 10.1038/jes.2014.74.
Show BibTeX
@article{d_2014_mobile_telephones_a_comparison_2254,
  author = {Jovanovic D and Bragard G and Picard D and Chauvin S.},
  title = {Mobile telephones: A comparison of radiated power between 3G VoIP calls and 3G VoCS calls.},
  year = {2014},
  
  url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/jes201474},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, VoIP calls (like WhatsApp or Skype) emit about 3.4 times more radiation than traditional phone calls. A 2014 study found VoIP calls used 0.75% of maximum phone power versus 0.22% for regular calls, though both remained well below safety limits.
Research shows smartphone radiation is higher during internet-based calls compared to regular cellular calls. VoIP apps require more power transmission, resulting in roughly triple the radiation output, though levels stay within current safety guidelines for all call types.
Yes, calling apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime audio increase your radiation exposure compared to traditional phone calls. Studies demonstrate these VoIP calls generate 3.4 times more electromagnetic radiation, though absolute levels remain relatively low overall.
WhatsApp calls emit more radiation than regular phone calls but aren't necessarily more dangerous. Research shows VoIP calls produce 3.4 times higher radiation levels, yet both call types operate well below established safety limits for electromagnetic exposure.
Traditional cellular calls produce radiation at about 0.22% of your phone's maximum power, while internet-based VoIP calls operate at 0.75% maximum power. Both levels remain far below safety thresholds, though VoIP calls generate notably higher electromagnetic emissions.