Arthur Hall, Senior Gleaner Reporter

MINISTER WITH responsibility for telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, is this week to summon the management of cellular provider Claro for talks concerning the setting up of its transmission towers.

Claro has been the butt of criticisms from several local-government bodies over its alleged failure to seek approval before setting up towers in some areas.

"I had intended to meet with all the major cellular service providers just to have a chat, but it appears that Claro is a special case that has to be addressed quickly," said Vaz who was recently given the telecommunications portfolio.

Discuss the general concerns

"When I return to the island today, I will call in the principals of Claro to discuss the general concerns about the company's treatment of public bodies," Vaz added.

Claro has been in a hurried build-out of its network as it moves aggressively to make its presence felt in the competitive cellular market.

Industry sources have reported that Claro has already erected more than 470 cell towers, but no parish-council approval has been granted for the majority.

The company's actions have earned the wrath of some local-government authorities, which have threatened legal action.

The St James Parish Council has been one of those which have complained loudest; but its chairman, Charles Sinclair, now says Claro is moving to address the concerns.

"Claro came in and met with our technical staff and submitted applications for towers that were constructed without permits. The applications are now being processed and the issues addressed," Sinclair told The Gleaner.

"One application has been returned because a private citizen has received a court injunction preventing the construction of the tower, and the contractor has indicated that it will be removed," Sinclair added.

According to Sinclair, the cellular company now seems to be complying with the rules.

Claro was placed under scrutiny earlier this year when minister in charge of local government, Robert Montague, ordered a probe into its erection of cellular towers.

The result of the probe has not yet been released but local-government sources reported that Montague was concerned about the numerous charges being levelled against the company by parish councils.