Dear Editor,

Mobile telephones have become quite ubiquitous in Jamaica because of the wise decision in the 1990s by the then People’s National Party government to liberalise the telecommunications industry.

In the years since, mobile telecommunication has contributed greatly to national life. More Jamaicans can now have ready access to a telephone in cases of emergency, can better keep in touch with family members and friends, and can be greatly assisted in conducting business.

The continued improvement in technology now allows for various transactions, including banking and making purchases, to be conducted conveniently from a mobile telephone, assisting both individuals and businesses alike.

In order to facilitate the effective use of the telephones, the mobile providers have to build cell towers and antennas all over the island to afford the proper infrastructure to ensure clear and reliable reception.

While Jamaicans largely appreciate the wide availability of mobile phone service, some are concerned about the health effects associated with the erection of the cell towers and antennas in their communities.

Many studies have been conducted regarding the health effects on humans from these structures. While mobile phone companies and even government agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration have contended that no studies have shown conclusively that the emission of radiation from cellphone towers is harmful, various other studies have indicated that there are possible health effects.

In light of the uncertainty surrounding the erection of cell towers and antennas in communities, perhaps the local mobile telephone companies should consider erecting their towers away from the more built-up areas as much as possible.

Consideration should possibly be given to erecting said cell sites in the more remote or less occupied or developed areas of the island, such as the Cockpit Country and the Blue Mountains, with smaller units established in our communities, as necessary, to ensure proper reception for users. This would at least dilute the direct exposure of any such radiation on the populace.

As Jamaica is relatively small, perhaps a few huge or larger cell sites concentrated in remote areas would provide the required signal strength to ensure good phone reception. A further consideration to reduce any possible risks associated with the towers is for greater collaboration among the mobile telephone companies to reduce the number of cell sites necessary to provide national coverage.

Kevin KO Sangster

sangstek@msn.com