Assessing the Compliance of the Global System for Mobile Communication Operators in the Sitting of Base Transceiver Stations in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria

The increase in the number of Communication Mast in Nigeria air space has no doubt increased the dangers that are associated with masts. Today, most masts in the country pose grave danger to human lives and properties, ranging from collapsing of masts, oil spillage, and violation of setbacks, noise pollution, and vibration and envisage dangers of radiation. In this study, efforts were made to collect spatial data set on the coordinates of existing Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in the study area using the hand held Global Positioning System (GPS), and analysis of the data base to determine the level of compliance of these BTS with National Environmental Standard Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) 2011 Act. Minimum distance to closest building structure was determined using the standard measuring tape (Meters). Data collected were summarized in form of a table of frequency distribution and analyzed. Results showed that one hundred and fifteen (115) BTS spatially distributed over the study area. 78.26% of the BTS are owned by five (5) service providers (MTN, Airtel, GLO, HIS and Helous Towers). The compliance level according to the NESREA ten (10m) meter setback is relatively high (68%). Result also indicate that 46.09% of BTS have oil spill problems, an environmental concern, with MTN, Airtel and GLO accounting for 75%. The study recommends among others a synergy between Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), NESREA, service providers and the community to ensure compliance and the engagement of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the siting of BTS.