Tower Question...

[strunke]

I was wondering if it is unique to see cell panels on the top of large power line towers....because I saw one for the first time day today. Maybe it's common place but I don't know so that is why am asking.

[wirles]

Originally Posted by strunke

I was wondering if it is unique to see cell panels on the top of large power line towers....because I saw one for the first time day today. Maybe it's common place but I don't know so that is why am asking.

It is not uncommon at all. There are a few pictures in the Virginia thread on this forum.

[strunke]

Originally Posted by wirles

It is not uncommon at all. There are a few pictures in the Virginia thread on this forum.

Ok, cool, thanks...

[TelcomJunkie]

It's becoming more and more common as the utilities start seeing the financial benefit. The carriers like it because it's real easy to get approval for a shelter in the high tension ROW. You've already got 100ft steel towers, what's a shelter there? Not to mention the tower for the antennas is already installed. Only downfall is some utilities require their lineman to do the installs because of the voltage or specially certified contractors. No room for error at 765kv.

[Yankees368]

Originally Posted by RobertF

No room for error at 765kv.

One screw up there, and a lot of people sleep in the dark that night.

[Jonathan Kramer]

Originally Posted by strunke

I was wondering if it is unique to see cell panels on the top of large power line towers....because I saw one for the first time day today. Maybe it's common place but I don't know so that is why am asking.

Hi Mac:

Every power utility sets its own rules for power pole installations (although, at least in California, there will be statewide rules soon). For example, in Northern California, PG&E allows crowns of antennas above primary; in SoCal, SCE does not.

In most cases, the power utility is the entity that installs and maintains antennas on transmission poles. Many utilities have departments set up just for this function. The carriers pay the electrical utilities dearly for this service, but it's the price to pay for height, location, and more height.

Best,

Jonathan

[TelcomJunkie]

Originally Posted by Yankees368

One screw up there, and a lot of people sleep in the dark that night.

One screw up there and someone doesn't go home.

[steve i355]

hi i am new do you know how to tell what nextel tower look like i have been looking but lot of them have no signs on them?

[nKrypteD1]

Originally Posted by steve i355

hi i am new do you know how to tell what nextel tower look like i have been looking but lot of them have no signs on them?

This is slightly the wrong post for this, but nextel's iDEN if I recall looks exactly like every other cell phone tower, I think nextel uses both standard antennas as well as paddles, don't quote me on that, the only iDEN I knew for a fact did not use panels, but it was southern linc.

[wirles]

Originally Posted by nKrypteD1

This is slightly the wrong post for this, but nextel's iDEN if I recall looks exactly like every other cell phone tower, I think nextel uses both standard antennas as well as paddles, don't quote me on that, the only iDEN I knew for a fact did not use panels, but it was southern linc.

Actually, Nextel started the network with omni-directional un-sectorized sites. They upgraded the network to a panel sectorized design throughout the late 90's.

[jrip]

Originally Posted by wirles

Actually, Nextel started the network with omni-directional un-sectorized sites. They upgraded the network to a panel sectorized design throughout the late 90's.

I know of one Nextel site that still uses omni directional antenna. Its a couple of miles west of Fremont, Michigan at the intersection of M-120 and 48th st. Just checked it out tonight. The Nextel site on the east side of town is sectorized though.