ASSESSMENT OF MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION MASTS SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT OF MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

GSM base station popularly called telecommunication mast is an important infrastructure required for effective communication system. However, if not properly managed it can impact negatively on the environment and residents health. Therefore, this study attempts to examine the spatial distribution of GSM mast in Minna and its implication on the environment. The study adopts the descriptive-observational research design method. Primary data on the location of GSM mast, noise, and pollution level were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS), Testo 815 sound meter, and Rasi-700 air quality meter respectively. The data collected was subjected to descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and spatial analysis (Nearest Neighbourhood Analysis). The study revealed that a total of 74 network antennas belonging to four network operators (MTN, GLO, Airtel, 9Mobile) were identified on 58 GSM mast distributed across Minna. Seventy-two (72%) out of the 58 GSM mast are occupied singly by individual network operators, while only twenty two (28%) are co-located. The study further established that all the GSM mast in Minna exhibit a clustered distribution pattern, save for those that belong to MTN mobile, while non-compliance to 10m setback by NESREA and 1000m tower-tower regulation was also observed among all the GSM operators. The study therefore, concludes that there is a proliferation of GSM mast in Minna with minimal adherence to NCC and NESREA regulation. Therefore, the study recommends strict enforcement of NCC and NESREA installation guidelines in other to minimize the impact of the GSM mast on the environment and the people at large.