Telecom Towers

Signal transmission

Each telecom tower is equipped with antennas and transceivers that send and receive radiofrequency (RF) signals. When you use your mobile phone to make a call, send a text, or use data, your phone converts your voice or data into RF signals and transmits them via radio waves. These waves are captured by the nearest tower’s antennas.

Cell coverage

The area covered by a tower is known as a “cell”. The size of this cell can vary greatly depending on the environment and the density of users. In densely populated urban areas, cells are smaller to accommodate a higher volume of calls and data traffic, whereas, in rural areas, cells can be much larger due to fewer users and less interference. The design of the network ensures that these cells overlap slightly to avoid coverage gaps.

Handoff process

As you move with your device, you may transition from the coverage area of one tower to another. This is particularly common when travelling. The network manages a “handoff” process, where your ongoing call or data session is seamlessly transferred to the next tower without any interruption to your service. This handoff is managed by the network’s core, which keeps track of your device’s location and the signal strength from surrounding towers.

Network connection

Once a tower receives signals from your device, the data is sent to a base station controller (BSC) or a radio network controller (RNC), which then routes it through the mobile operator’s core network. For voice calls, the network connects your call to the recipient, while for data, it routes your internet request through various networks to reach the servers hosting the data you’re accessing.

Technology integration

Modern telecom towers are also integrated with various technologies to enhance coverage and capacity. This includes small cells, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and the latest cellular standards like 4G LTE and 5G. These technologies work together to improve network performance, especially in high-density areas or regions with challenging topographies.

Uninterrupted connectivity

Uninterrupted connectivity is non-negotiable in most business operations for internal and external users. Telecom towers provide the essential infrastructure needed for consistent and reliable wireless communication, ensuring businesses can maintain seamless operations, from cloud computing and remote working to online transactions and customer service.

High speed data transmission

As the volume of data being processed and shared by businesses continues to grow exponentially, the need for high-speed data transmission becomes more critical. Telecom towers, especially those equipped with the latest technologies like 4G and 5G, facilitate high-speed internet and data services, enabling businesses to leverage advanced digital tools, analytics and cloud services effectively.

Support for emerging technologies

The deployment of telecom towers is fundamental in supporting the rollout of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) in business operations. These technologies require robust and reliable connectivity to function effectively and telecom towers provide the necessary backbone to support these innovations.

Shared infrastructure

At Shared Access, we champion the principle of efficient resource utilisation, recognising the environmental and economic benefits of shared infrastructure. By owning and operating a network of telecom towers, we provide a platform that supports multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) on each tower. This model promotes cost-efficiency by circumventing the need for each MNO to build its own network of towers, which can often lead to redundant infrastructure.

The shared approach not only optimises the use of space and resources but also contributes to a reduction in environmental impact, aligning with broader sustainability goals. For MNOs, this translates to lower operational expenses, which can be passed on as savings to consumers, enhancing affordability and access to mobile services.

Location optimisation

Shared Access expertise extends into the strategic selection of tower locations, a critical factor that directly influences the effectiveness of network coverage and capacity. Shared Access possesses a deep understanding of the connectivity landscape, leveraging data analytics and site acquisition strategies to pinpoint locations that offer the greatest demand and potential for network services.

This foresight ensures that our towers are positioned to provide optimal service to the most users, enhancing the quality of coverage and enabling MNOs to meet their customers’ expectations for reliable and fast connectivity.

Rapid deployment

In a sector characterised by rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer demands, the ability to quickly adapt and expand network infrastructure is crucial. Shared Access excels in the rapid deployment of telecom towers, utilising streamlined processes and a wealth of industry experience to erect new structures and integrate them into existing networks efficiently.

Shared Access’s capability to swiftly build and acquire towers allows us to stay ahead of the curve, supporting the dynamic needs of MNOs as they roll out new technologies and expand their services. This agility is particularly vital in the era of 5G and beyond, where the demand for high-speed, low-latency connections necessitates a denser network of strategically placed towers.