Communication towers are manmade structures used for broadcast or two way radio via radio waves. Some communication towers are among the tallest manmade structures. Common types include radio antenna towers, television towers, two- way radio and cell phone towers.
Radio antenna towers are basically used by amateur radio. Most amateur radios are used for industries like transportation, security and mining. Only licensed amateur radio is allowed to use this type of communication tower. Equipments and radio frequency are also regulated and licensed by government regulating body as all antenna towers should comply with imposed regulations.
Cell phone towers are for transmitting and receiving digital signals or as back-up power sources. Most of these communication towers are of concealed or stealth towers where often times are hidden from views. With wide spread of use of cellphones, cell towers are now built in many communities called as base stations. Most of them are free-standing or mounted on other structures such as houses, trees, or tall structures. Unlike an amateur radio tower that can have trailer mounted masts, cell tower’s antenna needs to be high enough to ensure wide coverage range or area. When people make calls using cellphones, signals are transmitted back and forth to the base station using RF waves. Other use is for transmitting PCS or personal communication service.
Television, radio and other utility service towers are used for transmitting RF waves for TV, radio, cable and other utility services such as energy and power sources. They are built and erected on locations where land is restricted. Wind turbines and electricity pylons are several types of these communication towers. Most are transmitting antenna themselves or the whole tower or mast serves as the transmitter.
Communications towers are built or erected as a structural support to acquire required height for antenna. This is because the efficacy of a communication system is determined and dependent on the heights of antenna. In all aspects of communication system, especially in radio antenna towers, the antenna characteristics determine the tower’s heights and transmitting limits.
Always remember that each country has its own standards in manufacturing and building communication towers in order to make use of available materials and available technologies and manufacturing facilities as well. However, with global integration, International standards are now being adapted to make compatibility works between countries and tower manufacturers.
Why Communication Towers are Built,