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The farther you move away from a transmitter, the weaker the signal.
Signals are not more intense directly beneath a transmitter, as some
people may believe. Radio waves travel outwards from antennas, rather
than upwards and downwards. This is why buildings or trees can
obstruct the signals.
Landscape
Environmental features such as hills and trees reduce the strength of
radio signals. Towers located on top of hills help boost coverage in such
situations.
Population
More base stations are needed in towns and cities, where there are
more concentrated numbers of mobile phone users. When base stations
are needed closer together, they operate on lower power. All mobile
phone signals are controlled and regulated so that they do not interfere
with emergency service communications, or TV and radio broadcasting.
Who decides?
Different countries have different regulations and conventions for
deciding the location of base stations. As a general guide, these are the
main groups who would have a say.
Operators/Carriers
Network operators carefully plan where to site base stations. They
need a broad understanding of the properties of radio waves,
legislation and public attitudes towards mobile communications.
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Operators try to share sites where possible. This can help them
ensure that the number and height of masts within a local area best
meets the needs of the community. Differences between networks
mean this is not always possible.
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Authorities
Local governments and planning authorities are often involved in
decisions. It is important for the authorities and operators to cooperate closely together.
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Site owners
Many sites are placed on leased sites in cooperation with the property
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