subject: Is That A Cell Phone Tower? [print this page] Have you ever seen a cell phone tower sitting on top of a church? No? You may very well have and not even realized it, actually. Many of the newest towers are incognito that is, they are designed to not even look like the typical ones we all think of at first. These are a necessary element that allows everyone to transmit their cellular device signals, and they have to be placed in precise locations in order to keep those signals going. The number of towers needed in an area is proportional to the number of people in that area who use cell phones. The same tower can have several different antennae from different carriers too, which helps in congested areas not getting junked up with too many towers all over the place. However, a cell phone tower in itself can look obtrusive and unsightly, so manufacturers began disguising them.
Did you know that cell phone trees are the most popular disguises that are used? These come in every shape and size of tree, depending on the sizes and types of trees that are naturally found in the area. Usually, they are used as a part of a landscape theme, such as in a forest. For example, you might not recognize a cell phone tower that resembles a Douglas fir tree in the Pacific Northwest. In southern California, it is no surprise that the tree of choice for the towers is the palm tree. Even in Arizona, you will find (or maybe not!) cell phone towers that are identical to the natural cacti that dot the desert regions. What is interesting is the fact that many bugs, animals and insects are not able to immediately distinguish the plants from the towers!
Although the tower trees have many advantages over real trees, including the fact that they transmit signals, never die and dont need water or pruning, not everyone thinks they are altogether a good idea. Opponents argue that these trees are dangerous to the surrounding environment, and maybe to people too. It has been noted that birds do not nest in them, and people wonder if the birds know something about their dangers that we do not. It is hotly debated whether or not towers and power lines contribute to cancer or not. However, a cell phone tower is now a necessity, and if they are disguised as beautiful trees, perhaps most people would agree that it is beneficial for the most part to keep them as such.
