Telecommunications facilities, particularly mobile phone facilities, are of concern to the public because of the perceived effects of electromagnetic radiation (“EMR”) on human health and the visual impact of mobile phone towers.

This fact sheet includes information on the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth), including the types of structures regarded as telecommunications facilities. Telecommunications carriers (the entities owning or controlling the infrastructure) are responsible for compliance with the Act. The main industry Codes relevant to the installation of telecommunications infrastructure deployment are also discussed.