A cell phone tower is a tall, slender structure that looks something like a metal skyscraper. These towers are a common sight in rural and urban areas alike. But what do cell towers look like? And why are they placed in specific locations?
Cellular phone towers are strategically placed for two main reasons: for service and for surveillance. Let’s take a look at what a cell tower looks like, how they are used, and where they are located so you can stay connected without being tracked.
What Do Cell Towers Look Like?
If you’ve ever seen a transmission or antenna tower, it’ll look very similar to a cell phone tower. These are often tall metal structures with several sections attached together by a series of cables.
Generally, these structures are painted white with a large “X” painted on the side to make them more visible to the public. The large “X” is an important feature of the tower. It’s there to help prevent accidents and protect the tower.
The base of the tower is often covered in metal mesh to prevent people from climbing the structure. In some cases, these towers are completely enclosed.
How Are Cell Towers Used?
The main function of a telephone tower is to transmit and receive cellular phone signals. These signals are sent to and from cell phone towers to deliver voice and data services.
These towers are also used for “microwave” or “radio frequency” transmission. Microwaves are used for remote transmission of information such as medical imaging and telecommunications.
Radiofrequency is used for wireless internet, mobile hotspots, cell phone calls, and more.
There are other applications that are in use but these are the most common.
Why Are Cell Towers Placed?
The primary reason for placing telephone service towers is so that people in rural areas or hard-to-reach places can get cell phone service. These locations are often difficult to access because of limited infrastructure (such as a hill or a mountain).
Strapped to the top of the tower are multiple antennae that can transmit and receive signals to keep the connection going. Placing a tower in these locations allows you to use your phone as long as there is power going to the tower.
Where Are Cell Towers Located?
The exact location of a cell phone tower will depend on a number of factors. These factors include:
1. Availability of Land
Where the tower will be built is important. In some cases, it may be possible to build on property that already has a tower. It may be possible to move an existing tower to a new location.
2. Availability of Power
Towers may need to be placed within range of electricity so they can run correctly. Power lines are important for the tower to transmit and receive signals.
3. Availability of Towers
Knowing how many other towers are located nearby will help in deciding where to place the new one.
4. Availability of Carriers
Carriers are the network providers used by your phone service. It may be necessary to use another carrier if your carrier is out of service because it may be too far from a tower.
5. Availability of Services
Will you have the same service after the new tower is installed?
Where Do Cell Towers Go?
Typically, a cell tower will be placed in a high traffic area that has a large number of people using mobile devices. These areas include:
1. Public Areas
Public areas should be one of the first things thought of when placing a tower. There should be no reason for anyone to have a privacy concern.
2. Commercial Areas
In most cases, a commercial area will not be an issue. However, it is possible to get permission if you’d like to place the tower on commercial property.
3. Residential Areas
While it is possible to place a tower on a residential property, most do not do so.
4. Businesses
Businesses are a different story. If you’re in a business, you may want to consider a larger tower that gives you better service.
Summing up: Why Are Cell Towers Needed?
Cell phone towers are used to provide cell phone service in remote locations and to provide backup power if there is a power outage. These towers are also used to transmit and receive information such as radio and microwave transmissions.