US Regulator to Investigate Cell Phone Tower Deaths

The US's telecoms regulator, the FCC says that it has adopted a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to gather comment and information on the impact that communications towers may have on migratory birds. One of the FCC's critical responsibilities is to manage the expansion of communications towers in a way that best preserves the country's environmental resources. This inquiry is part of the Commission's environmental and historic preservation action plan announced by Chairman Powell in May 2003. The adopted NOI is one of many continuing efforts to protect environmental resources while at the same time accelerating the deployment of communications infrastructure that is critical to the rapid rollout of advanced communications services, as well as for public safety and homeland security.

Migratory birds breed throughout the United States and Canada and, in the autumn of each year, migrate to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America for the winter. To the Commission's knowledge, to date there have been no studies sufficient to support a reliable estimate of the number of migratory birds that may have died as a result of collisions with an extensive number of communications towers located, for example, over wide geographic areas. In addition, while some literature suggests that certain factors - such as tower height, lighting systems, type of antenna support structure, and location - may increase or decrease the hazards that towers pose to migratory birds, there does not appear to be systematic research on an adequate scale regarding exactly how and to what extent, if at all, these factors contribute to any risk to migratory birds.

This inquiry is designed to gather comment and information on scientific research and other related data relevant to migratory bird collisions with communications towers.

Certain migratory bird species may hold particular cultural or religious significance to Indian Tribes. The Commission has made a commitment to consult with federally recognized Indian tribes to the extent practical prior to implementing any regulatory action or policy that will significantly or uniquely affect Tribal governments, their land and resources. Consistent with that commitment, the NOI requests comments from the Tribes and other parties on whether any of the questions raised in this inquiry will significantly impact Tribal governments, their land, and resources. Depending on the record developed in this proceeding, the Commission will consider whether the current state of research would support further action by the Commission in this area, including possible amendments of its environmental rules.

Depending on the record developed in this proceeding, the Commission will consider whether the current state of research would support further action by the Commission in this area, including possible amendments of its environmental rules."

Posted to the site on 21st August 2003