GSMA Welcomes Publication of INTERPHONE Results

LONDON, May 17, 2010 - The GSMA welcomes the publication by the INTERPHONE study group of the
results for the combined analysis for glioma and meningioma in the
International Journal of Epidemiology.

In the press release announcing the paper Dr Christopher Wild, Director
of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said:

'An increased risk of brain cancer is not established from the data from
Interphone. However, observations at the highest level of cumulative call
time and the changing patterns of mobile phone use since the period studied
by Interphone, particularly in young people, mean that further investigation
of mobile phone use and brain cancer risk is merited.'

This publication presents results from the combined analysis of the
national data collected as part of the 13 country INTERPHONE project
coordinated by the (IARC). As these diseases are rare, large numbers of
subjects are needed for accuracy.

Dr Jack Rowley, GSMA Director for Research and Sustainability said:

'The overall conclusion of no increased risk is in accordance with the
large body of existing research and many expert reviews that consistently
conclude that there is no established health risk from radio signals that
comply with international safety recommendations. The results reported today
underscore the importance of utilising complete and thorough data analysis
before reaching conclusions."

The mobile phone industry takes all questions regarding the safety of
mobile phones seriously and GSMA has a strong commitment to supporting
ongoing scientific research (www.gsmworld.com/health). This particular
project is being funded by the mobile phone industry jointly with governments
and national health agencies in a way that ensures the complete scientific
independence of the work carried out.

Dr Jack Rowley added:

'The researchers warn against focussing on the extreme values and that
interpretation should be based on the overall balance of the evidence. It is
also important to note that the international safety recommendations for
mobile phones were reviewed and confirmed in September 2009 as protective of
all persons against established health risks.'

By way of background, tumours of the nervous system are rare and account
for less than 2% of all malignancies (about 175 000 cases per year
worldwide). Gliomas are a type of brain tumour arising in cells of the brain.
Meningiomas arise from cells that make up the covering around the brain. The
incidence of brain or central nervous system cancers in the UK is about 7 per
100,000 people.

We have a spokesperson available for comment and footage can be found at
www.mobileworldlive.com/tv.asp?id=239

For further information please contact: Claire Cranton +44-7885-839-427 or press at gsm.org