Installation and construction requirements will be relaxed allowing mobile network operators to erect radio base stations on rooftops, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says.

He told lawmakers today radio base stations can be classified as minor works under the Buildings Ordinance. Depending on the nature and scale of the works, applicants can appoint a registered contractor to conduct minor works without making prior application to the Buildings Department through an authorised person and a registered structural engineer. Documents can be filed with the department after the works are completed.

The department and the Office of the Telecommunications Authority have consulted mobile network operators and obtained their support for the proposal. A legislative proposal will be submitted to the Legislative Council in due course.

Simplified procedures

Mr Tsang said the new arrangement will greatly simplify the statutory procedure for mobile network operators to set up radio base stations and antennas on rooftops, and in turn, shorten the time required for installation.

For mobile network operators who wish to set up radio base stations on government properties, Mr Tsang said they are required to apply to the Government Property Agency, which will co-ordinate comments of relevant departments to ensure the stations will not adversely affect the property or its users.

The process will take one to two months, but may take longer if the operators have to amend their proposals to meet the requirements of individual departments.

There are 90 government buildings where mobile networks' radio base stations have been established.