Today, communication is no longer restricted to landline phones and broadband connections, but is also facilitated by the use of cell phones, internet, apps, and more. These modern communication platforms have also ushered in the emergence of cell towers, which are a key part of this evolution.
The deployment of cell towers can bring about many positive aspects, but they can also have their drawbacks. This article explores the pros and cons of cell towers, so that you understand their role in society and how they affect you.
What is a Cell Tower?
Cell towers are large, metal structures that can be seen by anyone within range. They are used to provide connectivity between a range of devices, such as phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.
If a person were to use a single device like a phone and not have access to a tower, then the information sent to and from the device would be limited. For example, if a person were to send a text message without having access to a tower, then that person would not be able to send the message to a single recipient.
Instead, the person would have to connect to a network tower, with the cost and time involved in establishing that connection. This is one of the primary benefits of cell towers – their reach and connectivity provide access to people who do not have access to a network.
Why Are Cell Towers Required?
If there were no cell towers, then it would be very difficult for people to stay connected. In most parts of the world, where cell phone networks are not as extensive, landlines, broadband connections, and satellite services are not present.
The lack of access to these networks can limit a person’s ability to do things like work or communicate, which can be a major barrier to a person’s ability to participate in society. This is a major benefit of cell towers.
The Benefits of Cell Towers
Below are the benefits from Cell Towers:
1. Accessibility
Cell towers provide access to people who do not have access to a network. People living in rural areas, in remote locations, in shelters, or other situations where there is no network coverage may have access to a tower.
2. Battery Life
Another benefit of cell towers is their effect on battery life. Phones that have no access to a network have to use battery power to connect to the network. Because there is no connection, the phone has to constantly consume battery power and not be able to do other things, like send text messages.
With the access provided by a cell tower, the phone can use data but still remain active without having to constantly consume battery power.
3. Signal Strength
The strength of signal that a tower provides is another benefit. If a person were to connect to a network without a tower, then there would likely be a weak connection. With weak signals, there would likely be poor data transfer and even dropped data transfer. However, with a strong signal, the data transfer would be strong and uninterrupted.
The Drawbacks of Cell Towers
Below are the major drawbacks of Cell Towers:
1. Tower Radiation
While the access and connectivity provided by cell towers is a major benefit, it does come with some risks. One major potential side effect of cell towers is the exposure to radiation that they emit.
The Canadian Cancer Society states that people could receive up to eight hours of radiation exposure if they were within a half-kilometer of a cell phone tower. Those who are sensitive to any forms of radiation could have a reaction to this exposure and be negatively affected.
2. Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EMF)
Another potential drawback of cell towers is electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Some people could be negatively affected by electromagnetic fields, which are generated by cell towers.
While people who are hypersensitive could experience negative side effects from exposure to cell towers, others could experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
Conclusion
The benefits of cell towers are clear – Cell Towers they provide access to people who do not have access to a network, they extend battery life, and they provide a strong signal that is uninterrupted.
The drawbacks of cell towers are also clear – they emit radiation, they are linked to electromagnetic hypersensitivity, and they have been shown to cause health problems in animals. Even so, it is important to recognize that the risks posed by cell towers are relatively minor in comparison to the benefits they provide.
People who live in more urban areas are more likely to have access to a network and a cell tower. Those who live in rural areas, in shelters, or who are located in remote locations can also benefit from a tower. People who want to protect their health from radiation or want to avoid EMF exposure can also choose to live in places where there are no cell towers.