Many Tenerife radio stations set up masts without permission

From all around the Los Cristianos and Guaza area of Tenerife can be seen a conglomeration of radio masts sited on top of a prominent hill. These masts have been serving up to 25 English, Spanish and German language radio stations that transmit to Tenerife and across the islands.

But it transpires that many of the masts had apparently been placed there without permission from the owner of the land, and several of the radio stations had not only refused to pay rent, but were even tapping into a free electricity supply from a Telefonica installation located on the site.

The abuse came to light when officials from the Reina Sofía airport, just 15 km away from Los Cristianos, complained about dangerous interference from the transmitters.

Although several radio stations were acting legally, having the appropriate permissions and controlled transmissions, many were not, and their continued flouting of the law brought them fines of 4000 euros and notice to quit.

At last count there were still several stations refusing to legalise their position. They are facing the possibility of further action.

Source: Media Network, Tenerife News