Survey of accidents caused by lightning strikes near tele towers

Survey of accidents caused by lightning strikes near tele towers

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) has decided to conduct a survey on the accidents caused by the lightning striking in close proximity to telecommunication towers, Chairman, TRC, Anusha Palpita said.

“The initial stage of the study will start from Kalutara and, depending on the survey results, the TRC is planning to expand the survey in certain other areas of the country,” Palpita said. Residents at Kalutara have already been requested to inform the TRC about any accidents caused by lightning near telecommunication towers. The complaints could be brought to the attention of the TRC on 0112 68 93 45.

With the expansion of the mobile phone usage the number of towers island wide also has to be increased to provide the customers a quality service. “Currently there are approximately 4,500 telecommunication towers island wide,” Palpita said.However, he said that the senior engineers of the TRC are of the view that lightning accidents could be minimised if the proper guidelines are followed when setting up telephone connections. “If the survey results reveal any problems concerning the set guidelines, the guidelines in the national policy will be altered in order to overcome the situation,” Palpita said.

He added that the survey results will be submitted to a special committee and further steps will be taken depending on their observations.

April 15, 2011, 5:44 pm

By Pabodha Hettige

The Island