core sector communique

DoT Initiates Action Against Telecom Operators Violating New Radiation Norms Orders issued Against Eleven BTSs of 7 Operators in Mumbai

Department of Telecommunications(DoT) has taken steps to strictly enforce latest Radiation standards in respect of Electro Magnetic Radiations (EMR) for Mobile Towers that came into effect from 1st September 2012. A high level delegation of DOT officers led by Advisor (Technology), DOT and officials from Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cell Unit in Mumbai visited a few Base Transmitting Stations (BTS) sites in Mumbai yesterday as part of random verification of compliance to the new Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) standards by the Telecom Service Providers(TSP). One of the sites located adjacent to Ekta CHS, Kanjur Marg (East) covering Saidham Building and Vighnaharta Building having 11 BTSs of Reliance Communications, TTML, Airtel, Vodaphone, Idea Cellular, Aircel and Loop Telecom were found radiating beyond permissible limits of the new radiation norms when measurements were carried out in some houses facing nearby BTS antenna. A meeting was organised by DOT officials with all the 11 licensed operators in Mumbai at short notice which was attended by 32 officials from the 11 operators. Pictures of the BTS antennas and other details were also shown to the operators and on the spot orders were issued to 7 operators to stop radiating from these BTSs with immediate effect. Functioning of BTSs may be resumed only after the sites are made compliant and compliance to that effect is verified by TERM Cell Mumbai. All the TSPs were further directed to carry out a comprehensive exercise to identify all BTSs which are non-compliant as per latest radiation norms and ensure that they are either shut down or made compliant with respect to the radiation norms failing which penal action as per relevant provisions would be taken against delinquent operators.