DoT simplifies procedure for SACFA site clearance

According to a release issued by Ministry of
Communications, DoT has simplified procedure for SACFA site clearance. This has
been done with a view to expedite the faster roll—out and growth of various
telecommunications networks. DoT in consultation with Ministry of Defence and
Airport Authority of India has also taken steps for further simplification of
Standing Advisory Committee on radio Frequency Allocation ( SACFA) procedures.

As per the new simplified procedure, all antenna
towers/masts located beyond 07 kms from the nearest airport and having up to 40
meters above the Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) of the Airport Reference Point
(ARP) of the concerned airport need not undergo the detailed siting clearance
procedure. The service providers are only to be "Registered" online on
WPC/SACFA website and necessary clearance will be issued by the SACFA
Secretariat. Secondly, the Geo-coordinates and AMSL information to be submitted
in the SACFA applications can now be obtained using a standard Global
Positioning System (GPS) receiver .

However, the service providers and other applicants shall
have to accept full responsibility on their part for providing the correct
information in this regard.

The above simplified procedure is expected to reduce the
number of cases for site clearance for SACFA members and would enable the
service providers for quicker roll-out of their network/services. The orders
giving effect to the new procedure have been issued by the WPC wing and are
available on DoT website.