NATCOM Tasks Agencies On Base Stations

The President of National Association of Telecommunications  Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo,   has called on government agencies to stop indiscriminate closure of base stations.

In a statement in Lagos last Thursday, Ogunbanjo said that the closure of base stations by the National Environmental Standards Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA) had resulted in disruption of telecommunication services.

He said that the indiscriminate closure of base stations by NESREA had become a source of concern to subscribers who were clamouring for improved services.

According to him, they are also concerned about the effect of the indiscriminate closure of base stations on national security and socio-economic activities of the teeming subscribers.

“With various threats of terrorists attack and kidnappings in the country, effective communication network is vital in addressing issues of national security and national emergencies.

‘’We are also at loss with NESREA’s focus solely on the telecommunications industry.

‘’We believe that the actions of any agency of government should not be predicated on sentiments, but by facts provided by recognised bodies and experts in the field.

‘’Our concern is the electromagnetic emission from the base stations in the residential areas

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not confirmed that the electromagnetic emission from base stations is harmful to human beings,’’ he said.

Ogunbanjo said that telecommunications masts were installed on the roof tops of many high rise buildings and skyscrapers in many countries.

He said that the Nigerian Communications Commission has set guidelines for the installation of mast and towers.

Ogunbanjo said that the guidelines took into cognisance the acceptable distance of masts to the nearest adjourning property or residential buildings in line with international best practices and standards.