Construction

Whenever a service provider seeks to deploy a new network or perform enhancements on its existing one, permits must be applied for, or smaller works notified to, the NMHH. Constructions can be extremely diverse, from the laying of network cables to the installation of various telecommunication towers and large satellite dishes. Network infrastructure are often installed alongside other existing lines or pipework, such as on utility poles, which makes construction faster and more cost effective. There are cases where coverage only needs to be provided over a street, an industrial site or a newly built apartment complex, but sometimes long-distance cables must also be laid that run across the country or connect to the international backbone network. Many times, such investments do not even take place for their own sake but as ancillary projects to other ventures such as road or railway constructions. Nevertheless, in all of the above cases, it is the NMHH that handles works involving communication. Once a construction is finished, commissioning of the affected network is subject to an authority licence or notification, as appropriate.

In carefully evaluating all incoming permit applications and notifications, the NMHH checks whether the client and contractor have complied with pertaining legislation, and examines the fitness of construction drawings. After the construction is completed, it then ascertains whether works have been carried out in line with the permit and according to the original drawings, and whether the network can be safely commissioned.

In addition to licensing, the NMHH also evaluates whether ongoing constructions are being carried out in accordance with relevant regulations. It must also proceed whenever a communications network is built without a licence, or when a service provider fails to meet its maintenance obligations – for instance, loose lines or cabling could cause severe injury. Likewise, it is the NMHH that must investigate all reports made by residents and NGOs concerning network deployment.

It is the duty of the NMHH to ensure compliance with regulations at construction sites, and, by sorting out any conflict of interest, to promote advanced technologies and services which, directly or indirectly, ultimately benefits society as a whole.