Kerala state government has issued an order allowing mobile service providers to set up telecom towers on government land and buildings.  The government has decided to lease government land and buildings, including that used by the public sector undertakings (PSUs), to any licensed telecom service provider and infrastructure provider for installation of ground-based masts and roof-top towers to facilitate better communication connectivity in the state.

With this, Kerala has become the first state to offer government’s land, buildings and offices to mobile companies for expanding mobile connectivity. Further, by bringing PSU properties under the scope of the order, the government will ensure that the operators find tower sites across the state.

As per the order, the government will charge 10 per cent of the market value of the land used for tower deployment, as the lease rent. In the case of roof-top towers, the Public Works Department will determine the rent.