Telkom addresses concerns

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Telkom has responded to an enquiry by the CHRONICLE on the process of public participation and deployment of mobile base stations and masts.

The service provider confirmed that lamp post solutions are primarily being driven by Vodacom and MTN.

Sinah Phochana, Telkom’s Executive PR corporate officer, said: “Telkom has a comprehensive process for deploying mobile base stations. If a new structure is required, and the mast height exceeds 15 metres, then a public participation process and civil aviation (CA) certificate is required. If the area is regarded as a sensitive site by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, then a full environmental impact assessment is required. Once this process is completed, approval for building plans is granted by the municipality.”

Addressing health implications posed by mobile base stations, Phochana said: “To date, Telkom has leveraged existing approved structures for mobile structures. All these sites have been granted relevant permissions. If a new structure is required, then Telkom follows a local authority approval process and environmental impact assessment. But before the required permission process begins, careful consideration is given to whether a potential site meets the required standards, such as radio frequency, output power, antenna height, distance to the user and radiation output.

“Cellular base stations are designed to meet all applicable standards in this field and are checked by independent electro-magnetic radiation experts. If Telkom is applying for co-location on an existing tower, then the tower owner would follow the normal application process.”

MTN was the first operator to sign a deal with City Power to install masts in Gauteng although, in 2014, MTN reported that they had put their plans on hold following a wave of complaints from communities in the northern suburbs regarding lack of public participation.