Space-Based Assessment of the Compliance of Gsm Operators in Establishing Base Transceiver Station (Bts) In Nigeria Using Abuja Municipal Area Council as Case Study

Abstract

On the 16 th of May, 2001, the first Global System for Mobile Communications: originally called Groupe Special Mobile (GSM) call was made in Nigeria, thereby opening communication among the teaming population in the country. Given the mode of operation of GSM technology, Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) are required for the provision of GSM services. Consequently, network of base stations were established in areas that enjoyed the GSM services all over Nigeria. However, studies have shown that exposure to GSM radiations are linked to health hazards such as fatigue, headache, decreased concentration, dizziness, local irritation, tumour induction, sperm motility, morphology and viability, cancer, especially brain tumour and leukaemia, viral and infectious diseases. Given these potential health impacts of BTS on humans, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) established guidelines for National Environmental Standards for Telecommunications and Broadcasting Facilities. The guidelines provided for the establishment of BTS within a minimum setback of ten (10) meters from the perimeter wall (fence) of residential/business premises, schools and hospitals. Similarly, where there is no perimeter wall (fence), the BTS must be at a minimum of twelve (12) meters from the wall of residential/business premises schools and hospitals. Consequently, using spatial analysis techniques, this study examined compliance of GSM service providers with the established guidelines for the mounting of BTS within three Abuja districts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); namely, Utako, Garki and Wuse. All the 119 BTS sampled in the study failed the 10m and 12m buffer zone tests. As a result, policy prescription was made on the way forward.