MTN faces court challenge over illegal cell mast erection

The Durban Anti-Cell Mast Alliance (DACMA) has filed a suit against Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) with the Durban high court, for indiscriminately planting new towers in the city. DACMA wants a ‘review of the “secret deal” that MTN concluded with the eThekwini municipality’ which protects it from any regulatory process. It is accusing MTN and the municipality of neglecting by laws and town planning schemes, including the health and safety of the population, considering that hundreds of cell masts are close to schools, old age homes and playgrounds. Research shows that new towers were not necessary because cellular connectivity has not increased.