MOBILE TOWER CODE TO BE REVISED

6 April 2004
39/04

The Australian Government welcomes today's announcement by the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) that it will revise its code on the deployment of mobile phone towers.

The code was developed to increase the level of community consultation and to minimise concerns over the effect of electromagnetic energy emission levels in relation to mobile phone towers installed under Australian Government and State and Territory laws.

This revision, following a review of the code's operation and effectiveness, provides a welcome opportunity to ensure that it effectively addresses industry and consumer issues about the installation of mobile phone towers.

Telecommunications industry codes are an important element of the Government's self-regulatory regime. Registered codes are enforceable by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) and all members of the industry must comply with such codes.

Today's announcement is another example of effective industry self-regulation, with the telecommunications industry reviewing its processes in light of community concerns.

The revision will be undertaken by representatives from local government, consumers, mobile carriers and the ACA. It is expected to be finalised by the end of 2004. The revised code will then be forwarded to the ACA for registration.

I encourage all interested parties to provide comments for the revision of the code, which has been fully operational since April 2003.

Further information about the code and its revision is available at www.acif.org.au or by calling ACIF on (02) 9959 9111.


Media Contact: Carina Tan-Van Baren (02) 6277 7480 or 0439 425 373