Over 50% of BTS stations operate without licenses

In recent years, telecommunications companies have increased the installation of mobile information transmitting and receiving stations (BTS stations) to expand their scale; to meet customer needs. However, it is worth noting that many BTS stations have been installed and put into operation without a license (mostly type 2 stations in non-urban areas).

Decision 119 of the Provincial People's Committee dated December 24, 2009 clearly stipulates that the authority to grant construction permits for type 1 BTS stations belongs to the Department of Construction, and type 2 belongs to the People's Committees of districts. However, in reality, many telecommunications enterprises do not carry out procedures to apply for construction permits or approve BTS station installation locations, but instead take shortcuts by signing contracts with wards and communes or negotiating with families to rent land and erect poles.

Due to the benefits, wards and communes do not report.Therefore, the People's Committees of districts and towns almost do not know the number of BTS stations installed without permission in the area. According to the results of the inspection team at the end of 2010, there were about 903 BTS stations installed without permission or location approval. Currently, of the 2,325 BTS stations installed in the area, the number licensed accounts for less than 50%. In particular, there is a unit with up to 1,600 BTS stations but the number licensed is only 2 and the number of stations requesting location approval is less than 300 stations...

According to Joint Circular 12 of the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Information and Communications, before constructing a BTS station, it is necessary to survey and inspect the load-bearing parts of the structure, natural conditions, and climate to determine the location for installing antenna poles and auxiliary equipment. Therefore, not only are people currently worried about the safety and stability of unlicensed BTS stations, but the People's Committees of districts, cities, and towns are also facing difficulties in management.

KL