MELBOURNE, Australia-The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has registered a new industry code aimed at improving “consultation by telecommunications carriers when they are planning and installing new facilities, such as mobile phone towers.” Failure by any of the mobile operators to comply with the code could see them facing fines up to A$250,000 (US$137,000).
In particular, the deployment of Radiocommunications Infrastructure code, developed by the Australian Communications Industry Forum, sets guidelines for the siting, design and operation of telecommunications facilities, including the process for carriers in planning, installing and operating them. The code also demands carriers devise procedures for handling complaints.
“Under the code, carriers will be required to look carefully at community-sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals, and balance the need for the sites at these locations with other factors,” ACA Chairman Tony Shaw said.
He added the code sought to standardize the information for carriers through uniform guidelines.
