Last week, the Federal Communications Commission denied all arguments and affirmed its decision to charge Centel Cellular Co. of North Carolina with “endanger[ing] public safety for a period of five months” when it constructed in 1993 a 187-ft.-tall antenna tower without permission and without equipping it with the proper lighting. A record $2 million fine has been assessed against the company, down from the original $3 million handed down in 1994.
The FCC said at that height the tower penetrated the air safety zone and became a serious hazard to air navigation.
Upon discovery of the tower, built within the Greensboro/Piedmont Triad International Airport air safety zone, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered Centel to lower the tower and to install safety lights. Centel refused to comply until two FCC bureaus became involved.
A spokesman for the company said Sprint respects concerns about safety but feels the penalty is excessive.
NOTABLE QUOTE
“I cannot resist the challenge of pioneering a very significant telecommunications venture in the new regulatory environment,”
-Alex Mandl, Chairman and
CEO of Associated Communications L.L.C.
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