The erection of a controversial cellphone tower in Weymouth will go ahead, 2degrees says.

At the end of June, residents were told construction of the tower on the corner of Weymouth and Blanes roads would begin on July 16.

But public outcry saw 2degrees agreeing to review the tower's placement.

Residents said 600 children would be at risk from the tower and that there was already another tower in place 350 metres down the road.

Three preschools and Weymouth Primary School are situated between the two tower sites.

But, after a month of investigating alternative sites, including those suggested at a meeting with residents, the company says it will proceed with the original site.

A letter telling residents of the decision was circulated yesterday.

The letter said the company also consulted with Auckland Council and the council is comfortable with the original site.

''Our decision to proceed with the original plan factors in the need to provide our Weymouth customers with improved coverage, the most effective outcome for the community and the uncertainty of other options,'' external communications manager Charlene White said.

''Installing our equipment on an existing light pole means less infrastructure in the community because the other options proposed would have required an extra pole or tower to be erected in the street.''

The company has said residents' heath and safety will not be at risk because of  the tower.

''Our equipment is safe, complying fully with the World Health Organisation and New Zealand Government standards,'' White said.

''The consensus of international scientific opinion is that mobile phone sites are safe if operated within approved safety standards.'' 

The company's mobile sites operate well within the standard developed by an independent panel and are monitored by government agencies, she says.

''In fact, our towers operate at only around 1 per cent (on average) of the level that the World Health Organisation and the New Zealand Government permits. 

''The levels of RF signals from cell sites are lower than commonly used household electronics such as wi-fi and cordless phones and use the same technology as baby monitors.''

Follow @AucklandNowNZ

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments