The aluminum antenna forest that once sprouted from nearly every suburban rooftop has nearly disappeared, a casualty of the digital revolution. While this is a welcome development, modern communications and media still often require over-the-air transmission and reception. Strong signals and reliable coverage are always important, but so is the impact these units can have on everyday living.
An antenna is an assemblage of poles, wires, metallic extensions or dishes that can receive or transmit electromagnetic information. Commercial antennas are primarily involved in a money-making service, and that includes television, radio, and cell phone installations. Those associated only with non-profit, residential use, including home satellite dishes or amateur radio equipment, are not in the same category.
When a business is faced with the need for new transmission equipment, there are a host of considerations and requirements. The consuming public wants solid, hardworking devices that have reliable reception and transmission, but generally does not want to view the inevitable broadcast towers necessary for good service. Because of that desire, many towns have initiated new rules regulating antenna size, visibility, and location.
An antenna array that looks like a science fiction device may appeal to some, but not to most of those who might live next door. Communications operators have taken this attitude seriously in regard to new designs and locations, and attempt to make a final product that is unnoticeable to the casual observer. The need to make new designs nearly invisible has spawned some creative solutions.
One of the most successful methods of reaching that goal is termed co-location. This process places the necessary new hardware on the face of an already existing base, doing away with the need for new construction. Because other companies are already using that tower, the design must fit into their operations, must not impact them negatively, and cannot be aesthetically inappropriate.
For many new services, however, co-location is not feasible. In those cases, there are often stringent regulations for new construction. Although cities vary, most have rules that attempt to accommodate the needs of both service provider and customer. In many areas, new towers may not be constructed in a side or front yard, and cannot disrupt current traffic flow or eliminate current parking capacity.
New construction must not alter the overall view from neighboring homes, and the color schemes used must match the existing standards for the locale. Most neighborhoods also require that all connecting wires must be installed underground, and the above-ground portions concealed with vegetation or landscaping. While the proliferation of building rules may seem overly restrictive, the results have been overwhelmingly positive.
Where ugly metal once sprouted, people now see greenery. In New York state, towers are disguised as deciduous trees, while in Los Angeles they may resemble palms. Some newer antennas are specially created to match and blend into other unique natural environments, and many are doing that job very well. The result, although initially somewhat costlier, is proving very popular with service providers and consumers alike.
An antenna is an assemblage of poles, wires, metallic extensions or dishes that can receive or transmit electromagnetic information. Commercial antennas are primarily involved in a money-making service, and that includes television, radio, and cell phone installations. Those associated only with non-profit, residential use, including home satellite dishes or amateur radio equipment, are not in the same category.
When a business is faced with the need for new transmission equipment, there are a host of considerations and requirements. The consuming public wants solid, hardworking devices that have reliable reception and transmission, but generally does not want to view the inevitable broadcast towers necessary for good service. Because of that desire, many towns have initiated new rules regulating antenna size, visibility, and location.
An antenna array that looks like a science fiction device may appeal to some, but not to most of those who might live next door. Communications operators have taken this attitude seriously in regard to new designs and locations, and attempt to make a final product that is unnoticeable to the casual observer. The need to make new designs nearly invisible has spawned some creative solutions.
One of the most successful methods of reaching that goal is termed co-location. This process places the necessary new hardware on the face of an already existing base, doing away with the need for new construction. Because other companies are already using that tower, the design must fit into their operations, must not impact them negatively, and cannot be aesthetically inappropriate.
For many new services, however, co-location is not feasible. In those cases, there are often stringent regulations for new construction. Although cities vary, most have rules that attempt to accommodate the needs of both service provider and customer. In many areas, new towers may not be constructed in a side or front yard, and cannot disrupt current traffic flow or eliminate current parking capacity.
New construction must not alter the overall view from neighboring homes, and the color schemes used must match the existing standards for the locale. Most neighborhoods also require that all connecting wires must be installed underground, and the above-ground portions concealed with vegetation or landscaping. While the proliferation of building rules may seem overly restrictive, the results have been overwhelmingly positive.
Where ugly metal once sprouted, people now see greenery. In New York state, towers are disguised as deciduous trees, while in Los Angeles they may resemble palms. Some newer antennas are specially created to match and blend into other unique natural environments, and many are doing that job very well. The result, although initially somewhat costlier, is proving very popular with service providers and consumers alike.
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