MOBILE network provider, MTN, will be calling on the public to participate fully in an application approval process in an effort to reach a compliant solution for network infrastructure located on 56 camera poles in the Durban area.
Jacqui O’Sullivan, Executive of Corporate Affairs for MTN SA, said this process dated back to the 2010 World Cup when MTN had entered a municipal infrastructure-sharing agreement with eThekwini Municipality.
She said improvements in connectivity included leasing space on security camera poles for network equipment.
However, while the partnership included the Disaster Management Unit and Emergency Control Unit of the municipality, it subsequently transpired that approval from the Land Use Management Unit was also needed.
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Towards the end of February 2018, the municipality defined the process that MTN, along with other mobile operators making use of camera poles, would need to follow.
After numerous applications to council, 56 sites have now been confirmed.
O’Sullivan said already finalised are approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority alongside the required EIA environmental authorisation.
The next step entails a public consultation process.
“The issue of the masts on the camera poles has been going on for a number of years and we are proactively letting the public know about the status of the application and the next steps, so we can resolve this matter, in a transparent and fair manner. We are being guided by the municipal process as we strive for a swift, fully compliant solution,” she said.
As part of the approval process, anyone living within 100m radius of the confirmed sites will, in addition, receive a registered letter informing them of the application process and what steps they can take to raise objections, if any.
“MTN places the utmost importance on community engagement in finalising a potential solution and we welcome comments both against and in support of the network infrastructure remaining in place. This is an opportunity for those both for and against the masts to make their voices heard,” said O’Sullivan.
Durban Anti-Cell Mast Alliance responds
MEANWHILE the Durban Anti-Cell Mast Alliance claims MTN cannot go ahead with its plans as the initial infrastructure-sharing arrangement is currently before the courts.
The Alliance’s Niki Moore said: “The Durban Anti-Cell Mast Alliance has taken note of MTN and the City’s cynical attempt retrospectively to legitimise a completely illegal process. This is unacceptable, apart from anything else this entire project is currently before the High Court and until there is a court ruling we doubt that this process is legitimate. If they try to go ahead they will find themselves in contempt of court. We are therefore consulting with our legal team with regard to our next step.”
ALSO READ: MTN faces court challenge to illegal roll-out of cell masts
She said the Alliance was also trying to obtain clarity on what this next step by MTN actually meant.
Moore said this process was extremely confusing and contradictory.
“MTN are claiming to start a building process that was already completed two years ago. They are claiming to get permission for a process that was flawed and illegal two years ago. They are now trying to legitimise their cell masts, which have been erected and operational for two years in clear contravention of every relevant law,” said Moore.
Moore said in addition to this, MTN put up purpose-built cell masts, not camera poles.
She said the municipality was claiming that MTN will use existing camera poles, but said there were no camera poles, only MTN masts.
Additionally, the sites where they are planning the infrastructure-sharing do not have any infrastructure, as MTN ended up building cell masts in the wrong places with no site plans.
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