Industry Canada moves to review cell phone tower policy
Industry Canada has announced plans for a broad review of and public consultation on its antenna tower policy, which is scheduled to begin early next year. Light on details at the moment, the department will search for ways to improve antenna site approval procedures.
The move comes amid concerns from communities across Canada that they aren’t being properly informed or consulted in cell phone tower site selection procedures. Residents of a small Ottawa-area enclave recently raised issues about a new tower to be erected jointly by Bell Mobility and Microcell Telecommunications Inc. (RoW, Sept. 3/02). On Prince Edward Island, residents in Montague (east of Charlottetown) have expressed anger over Rogers Wireless Communications Inc.’s plan to raise two towers in their community (RoW, Oct. 28/02). Groups from both areas complained that they were not informed about the plans.
While concerns of municipalities will likely take top billing in comments, the department is more than likely preparing the groundwork for the eventual licensing of 3G spectrum. Third-generation wireless networks will require more cell phone towers than previous network architectures..