The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday stressed that the obligation on communications companies to consult before erecting cellular phone towers was “not optional” under the new rules governing their set-up.

Philip Davis, Parliament, said that the

Buildings Regulation Electronic Communications Tower Rules 2016 came into effect on April 5.

“It applies specifically to building operations with respect to electronic communications towers and their building permit requirements,” he said.

“This has been challenging to a number of communities; the erection of communication towers without proper consultation, and the archaic rules that existed prior to the laying of these rules. I confirm that government is resolute in its commitment to ensure that URCA embraces the robust role that peaked its creation.”    

Last year, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) ordered Cable Bahamas to “immediately cease and desist” construction of any electronic communications towers pending the results of an investigation into the need for them.

In a notice issued in June 2015, URCA issued an interim order halting work by Cable Bahamas and its subsidiaries on any new or pre-existing towers in light of the “public nuisance and environmental damage widespread construction could potentially cause the country. “

“The rules prescribe that prior to an application for the erection or modification of a proposed communication tower, an intended applicant must demonstrate that URCA has no objection to the erection or modification of that proposed tower,” said Mr Davis.

He added that applicants must engage in a consultative process with interested parties in the community, and said: “Under the rules, the obligation to consult  is not optional and is clearly laid out.”