Tower review report released, process shifts to in-person interviews

A study done as part of the National Antenna Tower Policy Review confirms that communications industry stakeholders and the general public are miles apart in their views of regulatory control over radiocommunication infrastructure placement. As was presented in their formal submissions to the review, local governments and the general public want greater control over antenna tower-siting procedures, while the communications industry believes a flexible regulatory environment is more effective (RoW, Oct. 21/03). Full survey results are available on the antenna tower review web site. The requirement for consultation on "significant" antenna structures was a major bone of contention in written submissions, and the survey highlighted the deep divisions that exist between the two sides. The wireless industry agrees with independent consultants that there should be a clearer definition of the term. When asked whether public consultations should be required for all new tower proposals or just those where there has been a significant level of concern expressed in the community, responses are nearly polar opposites. Despite an overall slight majority (60%) indicating they are not in favour of consultations for all towers, that majority largely reflects the preferences of radio users. "Other groups, specifically the public (63%) and those from government (78%), are strongly in favour of a requirement for public consultations in all cases," reads the report. Consultation shifting gears Last month, David Townsend, University of New Brunswick law professor and chair of the National Antenna Tower Policy Review committee, began in-person interviews with community, governmental and industry stakeholders. The majority of those discussions will, however, take place in December and January. The advisory committee will then meet in Ottawa in February 2004 to review and offer comments on a draft of the final report to be submitted to Industry Canada. A final version of the report is due to the department in March 2004. The final report and its recommendations to Industry Canada are expected to be posted on the antenna review web site in May or June 2004.

Tower review report released, process shifts to in-person interviews

News | December 3, 2003

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