Desenzano Investigates Illegal Microcell Installations and Regulatory Compliance
There are increasingly more requests from various mobile phone providers regarding the installation of additional repeaters in the Desenzano area. A predictable increase: with the large number of tourists flocking to the town during the summer (and beyond), repeaters are becoming more and more necessary.
Some time ago, to regulate this matter, the Municipality created a sort of map and a electromagnetic zoning plan of the municipal territory, aiming to set basic rules and prevent a reckless race for antennas or repeaters. Naturally, the goal was to avoid potential health damages caused by electromagnetic waves, even if not yet conclusively proven, but still possible.
Situation on the roof of Piazza Malvezzi
However, in recent days, the Leghist city councilor Rino Polloni noticed something strange on the roof of an ancient building in Piazza Malvezzi, in the heart of Desenzano. On the television antenna installed on the roof of the building, microcells have been placed—devices that serve to amplify signals for mobile telephony. Not a true repeater, but close enough.
Are they legal or not? The question was immediately directed by Councilor Polloni to the mayor of Desenzano, Cino Anelli. What emerged is that, while the building owner allegedly gave consent (a kind of clearance) to the installer of the equipment, the mayor—who by law is responsible for issuing authorization—claims to have no knowledge of it.
Regulations and permits
It should be emphasized that today, following pressure from various parts of the country from associations and private citizens, installing such devices requires specific authorizations—some quite significant. There is a formal procedure that must be followed; otherwise, placing a repeater constitutes a legal violation and may entail penalties, including criminal sanctions.
Furthermore, the historic center is designated by the Municipality’s plan as a “forbidden zone” for both regular repeaters and microcells. While microcells do not appear to be a source of particularly harmful electromagnetic waves to human health (although this is not conclusively proven), they still require authorization.
Procedures for approval and inspections
The process? The mayor grants the approval for new radio stations; the Hygienic-sanitary district issues an opinion within 70 days of the application. Subsequently, the local health authority of Brescia and ARPA, the regional environmental agency recently established, also become involved.
There is also the possibility of inspecting antennas if they are installed near residences or schools. What is Councilor Polloni requesting now? “To verify what type of system has actually been installed on that roof, and whether it is illegal.”
Furthermore, the Leghist representative wants to know what kind of agreement has been stipulated between private individuals and the operator, and finally, he requests a check to ensure that there are no other illegal installations in Desenzano.
Conclusions and calls for vigilance
Indeed, the issue is not only local to Desenzano. It also serves as a sort of call for citizens to be vigilant in spotting antennas and repeaters that may be illegal; assuming they indeed pose health risks. In any case, obtaining favorable opinions involves complex procedures, including the submission of numerous documents by the installer, along with the payment of prescribed fees.
Otherwise, what was the purpose of the zoning plan? Polloni asks.