Government Finalising Guidelines for Erecting Cellular Towers

~~Adz:Left~~Roadtown, Tortola - Work has begun on finalising the draft guidelines that will govern the erection of cellular towers in the Territory following Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Julian Fraser’s announcement on Monday that Government has lifted the two-month freeze on the erection of cellular towers.

The draft guidelines are being compiled by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Town and Country Planning Department to establish a uniform and comprehensive set of standards and assessment criteria to assist in the control, development and installation of cellular telecommunications in the BVI.

In response to increased public concerns about health hazards and aesthetic issues associated with the erection of cellular towers, especially in residential areas, Minister Fraser on July 22 announced in the House of Assembly Government’s decision to put a freeze on the erection of cellular towers in the Territory until further notice.

On September 26, Minister Fraser met with representatives from CCT Global Communications, Cable and Wireless (BVI) Ltd, and Digicel (BVI) Ltd. to “bring closure to what has been a costly and controversial issue,” he said by confirming the existence of firm agreements among the three providers to share towers in the Territory.

“At the meeting we examined in detail a total of 20 cellular telephone tower sites and were able to reach common ground on all, with clear directive and understanding on the road ahead,” Minister Fraser said.  

Before the September 26 meeting, Minister Fraser also held an all-day meeting on July 8 with the three providers to discuss issues surrounding cellular towers and antennas, to voice the Territory’s concern, and to present the Government’s position on the proliferation of towers, and the standards to which the towers must be built.

At that meeting, Minister Fraser suggested, and all parties agreed, that applications for the erection of towers should be submitted to the Planning Authority through the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC). 

Minister Fraser said, “Substantial progress was made during the time between the two meetings, which is evident by the first meeting lasting all day, and the second meeting lasting approximately three hours.”

The Ministry of Communications and Works is dedicated to ensuring that the telecommunications sector meets the relevant standards and operates in the best interest of the people of the Virgin Islands (UK).