A Look into How Cell Towers Work

When cellular phones had a wide release in the U.S. market back in the 1990s, most people welcomed them with open arms. Today, these mobile devices are used not just to make a phone call or send text messages to family and friends, but to send e-mails, connect to a social network or VPN, or do online shopping as well. Despite using their cell phones for a wide array of tasks, not many cell phone users are familiar with how the magical tool works exactly.

Mobile phones essentially serve as the receiver of signals from digital signal processors contained in a cell site or cell tower. Cell tower locations are ideally set up in elevated areas like rooftops and water tanks to allow enhanced coverage. One can easily spot a cell tower because it typically shows an antenna mounted atop a tall structure.

Not all rooftops and water tanks can be transformed automatically into a cell tower location, though, as some U.S. cities have formulated strict rules regarding the erection of cell sites. In some cities like Denver and New York City, for instance, some cell towers are made to look like trees to allow them to blend in with the surroundings. This setup also exists in other parts of the world like Portugal, Italy, and South Africa. In Atlanta, meanwhile, cell sites must be constructed according to local zoning regulations.