Different types of telecom towers in India

Smartphone usage in India has grown exponentially in the last decade. In fact, India accounts for the second largest smartphone penetration in the whole world. This has enabled the construction of a large number of telecom towers across the country. Add to the major use of cable networks, radio, DTH, and internet usage also enumerate to the list of uses of telecommunication towers in India. There are many different kinds of telecom towers being built in India. All these towers are present in different geographical locations across the length and breadth of the country to eliminate call drops and poor network coverage.

Factors that affect the different telecom towers

Different from popular belief, the design of telecom towers in India does require a lot of deliberation and conceptualisation. Not just the local geography, climate and environment but a lot of demographic conditions also have crucial roles in the design.

Let’s find out what these can be:

• Geographical situation – terrain, climate, and topography also have roles in determining the design of the towers
• The population of the place
• Number of smartphone/ mobile/ telecom users in the region
• Maintenance costing
• Availability of manpower and technological support in the area
• Orientation and numbers of antenna
• Telecommunication law in the region or in the country

Types of telecom towers found in India

India is a vast country with a high population density and smartphone penetration. We have categorised them into some of the following divisions:

• Lattice Towers – These towers are triangular or rectangular with steel bases in lattice structures. The name comes from the lattice structures. Transmission of radio signals, and electricity comes under the use of this type of telecommunication tower.

• Monopole Towers – These are single-poled towers that have a tubular or tapered pole that is conducive for wireless telecommunication in harsh weather conditions.

• Guyed Towers – The slender steel structures that have multiple levels of steel cables as anchors.

• Self-support Towers – These are 3-legged, 4-legged square or latticed structured towers. These are distinctively known for wireless communication because of their great strength against strong winds and other weather conditions.

• Camouflage Towers – These towers are mostly found in urban areas with artificial plants as undercovers. These are considered to be environmentally friendly.

• Mobile Cell Towers – Mobile Cell Towers are known for their portability and versatility. Easy to install, these are very helpful in temporary and emergency situations.

• Angular Towers – These are the most cost-effective types of towers that have angular poles with small and lightweight structures that can be further categorised into two subdivisions:

• * Ground-based Towers – Ground-based Towers are known for their sturdiness. They have an excessive loading capacity. These are set up on the ground with a sturdy foundation.

• * Rooftop Towers – As the name suggests, Rooftop Towers are installed on the rooftops, and terraces of residences. Their height varies from 9 metres to 30 metres.

In order to strengthen connectivity, the role of these telecom towers is indispensable. Their maintenance needs robust infrastructure, planning and technological support. Their Mechanical maintenance in itself is a vast yet crucial concept.