The federal government watchdog for the telecommunications industry has ruled against Telstra for not consulting people near a new phone tower in central Canberra before putting it up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It erected a transmitter on top of the Department of Industry office block on Binara Street in the capital's central business district.
The block of land is partly offices - Industry House - but also partly apartments. The Australian Communications and Media Authority ruled that Telstra should have talked to the people who lived in the adjoining apartments before putting up the phone tower on the roof.
It's put a "formal warning" on the company, indicating that if it repeats its transgression tougher action could follow. One option would be to take the offending company to court.
ACMA indicated that it had no problem with the tower itself (just with the lack of consultation) - so getting it removed is unlikely. A formal warning is considered as punishment in itself.
A spokesman for Telstra said, "Consulting with local communities on new mobile towers is an important step in expanding our coverage and we didn't get that right this time.
"We've looked at where we fell short of what's expected and we'll make sure we get it right next time."
The chairwoman of ACMA, Nerida O'Loughlin, said, "There is public concern about the roll-out of mobile infrastructure, including small cell base stations, in residential areas.
"Telcos must keep affected communities in the loop and consider their feedback when establishing or upgrading mobile phone base stations."
In the investigation, Telstra blamed the contractor.
According to the regulator, the telecoms company was now "implementing regular training".
There wasn't evidence of great anger at the swish apartment blocks around the phone tower.
They are new blocks of up to 15 floors where entry is by card key. Those going in and out said they had not heard of the dispute.
One said, "As long as it doesn't influence my daily life, it's fine."
Steve Evans
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
Steve Evans is a reporter on The Canberra Times. He's been a BBC correspondent in New York, London, Berlin and Seoul and the sole reporter/photographer/paper deliverer on The Glen Innes Examiner in country New South Wales. "All the jobs have been fascinating - and so it continues."
