Different situations, different designs

There are three main types of base station:

Masts or cell-sites

Tall structures that provide the main network coverage. Free-standing masts may be placed at the road-side, in open spaces or wooded areas. Existing buildings are also used so that new construction work is not always needed. Where possible, the visual and environmental impact is limited by slim-line designs, and by trying to make them blend in with the surroundings by painting them, or carefully placing them on existing structures or among trees.

Microcells

Smaller installations that provide extra capacity and fill in gaps in network coverage. They may be incorporated as building features, or fitted to street-lighting posts or other street features. The visual impact of antennas can be reduced by integrating them with an existing structure.

Other base stations

Small base stations are normally used inside buildings, transport terminals or shopping centers. They use very low power levels, and boost reception where coverage is poor or where there are large numbers of users. Differences in operation mean that 3G networks will need more base stations that are closer to each other, but typically with smaller antennas.

Click here to find out about factors affecting where base stations are located.