Far MP town charges fees for ‘use of air’

By Juliet B. Saley

NATONIN, Mountain Province -- This town will soon be imposing charges on the use of its “aerial wealth” under as provided under a new local ordinance.

The town council, in Aerial Wealth Utilization and Protection Ordinance of 2012, approved by the  Sangguniang Panlalawigan, set an annual fee of P25,000 for operation of antenna mast/tower telecom/disk and P40,000 for maintenance of tower for cell sites/ relay stations and other towers over 15 meters in height.

Telecommunication facilities of the government, however, are exempted from the coverage of this ordinance but have to coordinate its plans and activities with the municipal mayor and the Sangguniang Bayan.

A  committee  chaired by the mayor  was tasked be implement the ordinance, collect fees and recommend  suspension of construction for violation or non-compliance with the local law.

Roles and functions of the telecommunication company are also provided in this ordinance which requires owners or operators of structures to secure permit from the National Telecommunication Commission.

Telecom companies without any permit  shall be given six  months grace period to secure the permit but must pay annual charges and fees.

The ordinance provided the mayor shall issue an order to the telecom company to dismantle said facility if the company fails to secure the permit from the NTC within the six months grace period.