Happily, since much of the technology being utilized in the IEEE 802.16 standard (WiMAX standard) is widely deployed in limited fashion today, there is a historical body of evidence supporting the safety of technologies used in upcoming WiMAX and WiMAX products. Microwave and other spectrum technologies enjoy over a hundred years of historical evidence of safety when prudently handled and configured. The amount of power allowed to deliver broadband wireless signal varies from frequency to frequency, however, most are modest topping out at around 40 watts at the tower relay site. While certain basic precautions need to be taken when onsite at communications towers (i.e. standing directly in front of active microwave links at essentially zero range) the configurations for public use are understood and safe. Customer premise equipment is even safer.

With the first rush of WiMAX vendors achieving initial certification for these products, which in most cases have been shipping for some time, WiMAX actually has an operational history of safety.