15 June 2007 Media Statement

New national environmental standards proposed for telecommunications facilities

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.

Sue Powell, General Manager at the Ministry for the Environment, says “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.”

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 at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/rma/#centralgovt. Submissions close on 10 August.

ENDS

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