15 June 2007 - The Ministry
for the Environment has released a public
discussion document proposing new national
environmental standards for low-impact telecommunication
facilities in the road reserve.
The discussion document includes proposals
developed by the telecommunications industry.
The aim is to help speed up expansion of
the infrastructure needed for high-quality
telecommunications services in New Zealand.
This is an important step towards faster
access to facilities, such as high-speed
internet and mobile phones, to a greater
number of people and businesses.
The proposals should also lower the costs
for new telecommunications companies to
enter the market, increasing choice for
consumers and ensuring the long-term sustainability
of the industry.
“The proposed standards will help decide
how best to balance competing national benefits
and local costs. Telecommunications facilities
are currently subject to resource consent
processes that differ widely between councils.
The proposed standards would provide certainty
for industry, local government and communities
on acceptable environmental thresholds for
installing new, low-impact infrastructure
in the road reserve. This is particularly
important for new developments that require
roll-out across many district council boundaries,”
says Sue Powell, General Manager at the
Ministry for the Environment.
Four proposed standards cover roadside
cabinets containing equipment for telephones,
cable TV and the internet. They also cover
small antennas for wireless internet and
mobile phone services attached to existing
roadside structures, such as power poles.
The standards would allow radiofrequency
emissions from new facilities that comply
with an existing New Zealand Standard, and
allow new roadside cabinets subject to limits
on their size and location. The standards
also include noise limits on roadside cabinets,
and height and size limits for antennas
attached to other structures.
The existing New Zealand Standard for radiofrequency
is based on widely accepted international
guidelines. The Ministry of Health considers
no health risks exist from the radiofrequency
fields emitted by the equipment in the proposed
national environmental standards.
The discussion document on the proposed
standards is available from the Ministry
for the Environment’s website.
Submissions close on 10 August.
