Kampala — Orange Telecom, the fifth mobile telephone operator, has complained that the National Environmental Management Environment Authority (NEMA) takes long to approve mast constructions.

Philippe Luxcey, the chief executive officer, told the parliamentary committee on information communications technologies that NEMA takes at least six months to approve the construction of one mast yet they had to erect masts countrywide.

The committee oversees the operations of all mobile telecom companies. Orange officials had appeared to inform the committee that they had commenced business.

The officials told the MPs that the Uganda Communications Commission gives them 18 months to roll-out their network.

"We are not violating the NEMA laws but we cannot wait for the long time the institution takes to approve before we erect masts.

"Our capital is tied in the process, yet we have to erect masts countrywide," Luxcey said.

Luxcey disclosed that Orange had signed a contract with Warid Telecom to share 300 sites to avoid construction of too many masts across the country.

"Under the arrangement, the company will build 150 sites and share with Warid Telecom 150 sites already in place," Luxcey said.

Committee chief Edward Baliddawa told Luxcey to avail the committee with a list of masts which had been approved by NEMA.

Baliddawa observed that the public had petitioned Parliament over noise pollution from the generators supplying power to the masts. The masts are also said to emit fumes that may cause health problems. But mobile phone handsets are said to be more hazardous than masts.