Cell Towers

What is a Cell Tower?

Cell Towers are built to facilitate cell phone reception and other wireless communication devices like tv's, radios, and telephones. They allow for network coverage or capacity to be expanded. These towers are mounted with antennae and other electric communication equipment including transmitters, power sources, and receivers. They receive and transmit radiofrequency (RF) signals.

Types of Cell Towers

  • Lattice Tower - A self-supporting tower with three or four sides. Often used in heavy loading conditions.
  • Monopole Tower - A single tube tower under 50 meters with antennas on the exterior.
  • Guyed Tower -  Uses a lot of land, but is the cheapest tower. Typically radio and tv towers connected by guy wires for support and attached to the ground.
  • Stealth Tower - More expensive towers meant to hide their appearance. They have less capacity.

Parts of a Cell Tower

  • Tower - The main support structure
  • Equipment - "Base Transceiver Station" transceivers installed in cabinets or shelters. Different wireless providers use different shelters.
  • Antennas -  Typically multiple antennas are mounted on the tower. Anywhere from 3 - 15 per carrier. The number depends on the technology, performance, and capacity.
  • Utilities - Typically each tower has power and a phone service. The communication method may be handled by fibre depending on the carrier.
  • Access - Each tower will need to be accessed by carriers for installation and maintenance.

Cell Tower EMF

Cell Towers transmit and receive RF. Radiofrequencies, RF, can heat up body tissue at high levels. While the energy level of cell towers is much lower, they still flood the are with radio waves. Cell towers are being built more and more near homes and schools. Health effects can include headaches, memory loss, cardiovascular stress, low sperm count, birth defects, and even cancer.

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