Towers owned by a major Cayman telecommunications firm need urgent work to make them safe, a report by the industry’s watchdog revealed on Wednesday.
A report by the Utility Regulation and Competition Office, known as OfReg, said an investigation into a long-running dispute about tower infrastructure sharing by Flow with rival firm Logic had raised concerns about the “structural integrity” of Flow towers, which “posed risks to both personnel safety and third party equipment”.
The report said that loads on five of six towers could not be increased because they had exceeded safe wind speed levels.
“Flow is required to present plans addressing this disrepair without delay,” OfReg said.
Logic wants access to Flow’s network of towers so it can introduce its own mobile network.
The report said that Flow would also have to detail safety work carried out.
It added, “Flow must report on any measures implemented to ensure that towers exceeding wind speed standards do not jeopardise public health, safety, or operations of other licensees.
“Until compliance with the above requirements is met, Flow is prohibited from attaching or modifying any equipment on towers in need of repair.”
The investigation was launched in 2023 after Logic complained to the regulator about delays in getting responses to requests that dated back “several years”.
OfReg said Flow had told it that a “lack of sufficient information regarding its own infrastructure” had made it “unable to assess the feasibility of sharing with Logic”.
The watchdog said it had been “concerned” over Flow’s lack of knowledge about its own equipment and launched its investigation.
A preliminary report in August 2023 detailed steps to resolve the problems and confirmed that Flow could not provide “adequate information” about six of its towers.
OfReg also issued a directive demanding “immediate action” from Flow to “ensure compliance”.
The watchdog added, “This included directions to cease work on towers due to safety concerns, requirement to conduct structural surveys and requests for information pertaining to structural integrity, general safety and availability of access for Logic.”
Flow admitted at the time that five of the six towers involved could “not accommodate additional load due to exceeded wind speed thresholds”.
One tower on Cayman Brac had not reached its limit, but could not be used by Logic because it was reserved for use by Flow.
The OfReg report added that Flow had failed to meet legal timelines, but said that was likely due to internal communications problems rather than “ill intent”.
But it insisted, “Flow must grant Logic access to the tower in Cayman Brac as they could not substantiate anticipated requirements for its use.”
The report added, “There is no obligation for Flow to provide remedial options regarding space on the five Grand Cayman towers, but they must confirm efficient use of these structures.”
The regulator said, “We are committed to fostering fair competition and ensuring the efficient use of our telecommunications infrastructure.
“This determination underscores our proactive approach to addressing disputes and holding providers accountable for their responsibilities.
“Moving forward, we will continue to protect the interests of all stakeholders and promote transparency in our sector.”
The regulator added that Flow had failed to follow an order not to modify present tower attachments.
It said Flow’s decision to ignore the direction was “concerning” and that “appropriate next steps” would be identified.
The regulator added that Flow had confirmed earlier this week it was working to comply with the requirements of the decision.
Flow has been asked for comment.
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