DIPA Applauds DoT For Simplification of SACFA siting clearance

New Delhi :  Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), an apex industry body representing Digital Infrastructure providers industry in India applauds Department of Telecommunications for simplifying the procedure for clearance of Low Power BTSs (EIRP <=100W) including Microcells, Picocells, Femtocells -on existing street furniture/below the height of existing structure/ window-sills of a building etc. and cases of additional antenna.

Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 15 September, 2021 on “Reforms and support package for Telecom Sector” took a slew of measures for the growth of Telecom sector in the country. It also took a view on simplifying the SACFA Clearance process for installing towers.

DIPA represents the telecom infrastructure providers such as Indus Towers, American Tower Co., Summit Digitel (earlier Reliance Jio Infratel), Tower Vision, Ascend Telecom, Sterlite Technologies, Space Tele Infra, Suyog Telematics, iBus networks, V-Con Telecom as well as energy solution company like Applied Solar Technologies.

Mr.T.R.Dua, Director-General, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), said,” We are thankful to Department of Telecommunications for coming up with one more game changing initiative which will promote ease of doing business in the telecom sector. With view to 5G, heavy densification of small cells will be a necessity, this step from Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing, DoT is a timely right step in the right direction of deployment of 5G network rollout.”

According to the recent order, SACFA registrations fee for such cases shall be charged @Rs. 100/- per small cell. For “additional antenna” category of SACFA siting clearance cases also, the fee shall be charged at the same rate i.e. Rs 100/- additional antenna.