MTN Joburg street light antennas on hold
MTN says that its plan to deploy antennas on street light poles is on hold, following outcry from local residents who claimed that they were not consulted.
The operator announced in August that it had begun erecting “purpose-built pole masts with zero visual impact” around west and northern Johannesburg to improve network coverage and quality.
It came after the network revealed in January 2014 that it had an infrastructure deal with City Power.
MTN said that City Power awarded it a 3-year contract following a request for proposals on City Power’s plan to commercialise its infrastructure.
The areas targeted was to include a number of suburbs in Randburg, Fourways, Bryanston, and Saxonworld.
MTN told BusinessTech that residents in Bryanston complained that they had not been consulted over the installation process, citing environmental legislation and bylaws relating to tower mast health and safety.
MTN said that it had been informed by City Power that complications with the project had meant that it would be put on hold.
City Power did not respond to calls and emails from BusinessTech.
Each pole site has a coverage radius of 400–600 meters, and the number of poles that will be installed will depend on customer density in the targeted areas.
MTN had hoped to complete the first phase of the project by the end of December, while the second phase of the project would be determined by customer requirements.
However, the project is now on indefinite hold, and is subject to further instruction from City Power.
In a recent opinion piece on BusinessDay, Karen Heese, Municipal IQ’s economist, said that MTN is entitled to replace 110,000 lampposts throughout Johannesburg with mini-masts under the contract.
“While MTN has argued the poles are hard to distinguish from ordinary lighting poles, they are considerably larger and more unsightly than street lights, with a box at the base.”
“MTN dismisses the health implications as being within World Health Organisation norms, but the basis for this assurance is vague and appears not to have been independently verified.”
Vodacom meanwhile, said last month that it is also investigating the possibility of converting street light posts into mini antenna towers.
While the initiative is still in its early stages, the operator said it is targeting about 100 sites in Johannesburg.
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