Mobile telephony, also called cellular telephony, basically consists of two main parts: a communications network (or mobile telephony network) and the mobile phones (cellular phones) that allow access to this network. Mobile telephony is the telephone service provided wirelessly, as long as it is within the coverage of a base station (antenna) of the operator with which the service is contracted. This technology makes it possible to provide additional services such as sending short messages (sms), sending and receiving images, connecting to the Internet, etc.
How does mobile telephony work?
Mobile telephony consists of telephones (user terminals), base stations (antenna), transmission mechanisms and switching centres.
Each base station (antenna) has a certain coverage area. The range of this coverage depends on the transmitting power of the antenna and the terrain where it is located. In rural areas the range is greater than in urban areas because obstacles (buildings, houses, buildings in general), in the latter, attenuate the signal of the antenna.
When a communication is established, the switching centre that manages several base stations (antennas) detects the location and status of the mobile phone and directs it to the antenna that can offer the best coverage.
What is a mobile phone base station (antenna)?
A mobile phone base station (antenna) is composed of: a tower or mast (civil works), on which the radiating systems are installed (a device that serves both for the transmission and reception of radio frequency waves), which has the appropriate height to cover a wide area and also a hut where the transmitting and receiving equipment is installed, the batteries that guarantee operation, even in the event of power cuts, and the cooling equipment to keep the installation at the right temperature. This is shown in the following figure.
Why are there antennas in cities?
The need for communication and the growth of mobile or cellular telephony in our country has forced the companies that provide this service to install a large number of base stations (antennas) in the cities, in order to be able to provide a better service and larger coverage areas to their customers. However, base stations (antenna) are essential for mobile communication to be established.
Why is it necessary to install new base stations?
New base stations are necessary because base stations can only handle a limited number of calls, so as demand increases, additional base stations are needed.
Who authorises the installation of a mobile phone antenna or base station?
The installation of a base station (antenna) is subject to two authorisations. One is the responsibility of the Municipalities' Directorates of Works (linked to the construction of civil works), and the other is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications through the Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (related to the approved technical project).
What are the requirements established to authorise the start of services of a mobile telephony base station?