DoT objects to Karnataka ban on installation of mobile towers near schools, religious spots

New Delhi, Jul 8 () The Telecom Department is learnt to have objected to restrictions imposed by Karnataka government on installation of mobile towers near schools, heritage buildings and religious places while asking the state to align its network infrastructure norms with that of the Centre’s.
Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan in a letter to Karnataka Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar has asked the state to align rules regarding installation of mobile towers with that of central government’s, which impose no restrictions on installation of mobile towers near schools, heritage buildings, religious structures, among others.

Sundararajan has also objected to exorbitant fees, as much as 10 times higher than that suggested by the Centre, required for application to install mobile towers in the state.