What is a cellular base station?

A cell site, cell phone tower, cell base tower, or cellular base station is a cellular -enabled mobile device site where antennas and electronic communications equipment are placed (typically on a radio mast, tower, or other raised structure) to create a cell, or adjacent cells, in a cellular network.

How many types of base stations are there?

Macro cell, Micro cell, Pico cell and Femto cell are 4 types of base stations in wireless communication networks. Macrocell antennas must be properly mounted on ground-based masts, rooftops or other existing structures and at heights for an unhindered, clear view of the surroundings.

Who owns cell sites & base stations?

The cell sites and base stations are owned by mobile network operators such as Vodafone, T-Mobile, Rogers, AT&T, Verizon etc. The base stations represent the radio part of the mobile network, and one base station typically contains multiple cells which operate on specific radio frequencies.

Are all cellular base stations on towers?

Not all cellular base stations are on towers. Many of them are built on rooftops, and some are perched on streetlights. Some are designed to go unnoticed and lurk behind exterior walls. They are disguised as indigenous trees, cacti, spires, and even art installations. A wire pull mast is technically not a tower at all.

Which cell towers are licensed in the US?

This map shows cell towers in the US licensed by the three largest cell service providers: Verizon, AT&T, and Telephone and Data Systems.

What is a base station in a mobile network?

The base stations represent the radio part of the mobile network, and one base station typically contains multiple cells which operate on specific radio frequencies. The radio network is what connects a mobile phone to the mobile network.