Cell Tower

Basic Definition

• A Cell Tower is a tall physical structure equipped with antennas and radio equipment.
• It connects mobile phones to the cellular network by transmitting and receiving radio signals.
• It is the visible part of the mobile network infrastructure.

Technology

• Uses radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate with mobile devices.
• Each tower covers a geographic area called a cell.
• Towers are linked to the operator’s core network, routing calls and data.

Coverage & Capacity

• Coverage: One tower typically covers a radius of several hundred meters to several kilometers, depending on power and environment.
• Capacity: Each tower can handle a limited number of simultaneous connections; more towers = more capacity.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Provides wide-area coverage.
  • Essential for mobile communication (voice, SMS, data).
• Cons:
  • Expensive to build and maintain.
  • Requires zoning approval and can face public opposition.

Types

• Urban areas: Towers are closer together for high capacity.
• Rural areas: Fewer towers, each covering larger distances.
• 5G networks: Require denser tower placement or small cells for ultra-fast speeds.