The thick forest of television antennas that used to grow from the rooftops of suburbia has disappeared, a welcome result of evolving technology. Although the digital age has arrived, modern communications still rely heavily upon over-the-air, antenna-based reception and transmission, requiring the construction of many additional antenna structures. While excellent coverage is essential, those new units should not create a negative impact on daily life.
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.
Before a business can place a new installation, however, a number of local issues must be seriously considered. Although consumers purchasing new electronic communications expect that they will have strong, reliable connections, most simply do not want to actually see the necessary installations and towers that make the entire experience possible. Because of this understandable attitude, cities have created new regulations regarding antenna visibility, size, and location.
A high-tech antenna array sporting gleaming metal spikes might appeal to some, but generally not to those people living in its shadow. This understandable attitude has driven technicians to new levels of creativity when designing and placing new installations, with the goal of making them less obtrusive. Many of these solutions are based on the concept that new equipment should be almost invisible to casual observers.
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.
When co-location is not an option, and a new tower must be built, local regulations are the key to success. Although the laws vary, many cities have approved strict new rules regarding the appearance of these towers. For example, many residential neighborhoods forbid placing a new antenna in a side or front yard simply because it looks bad. New installations cannot interfere with vehicle flow, or eliminate parking capacity.
In addition, the color scheme has to blend properly with existing designs. A new antenna must not block the view from adjacent homes. Some regions stipulate that all connective wiring be run beneath ground, and covered by vegetation or landscaping when above ground. Ordinances regarding height must be followed. Although these requirements may seem restrictive, the positive outcome is a new generation of towers that most people happily never notice.
For many residents, the results look like nature. In California they may look like palm trees, while those in New York sport deciduous branches. Other towers have been disguised to blend into unique natural desert backgrounds. Although designing antennas to fit the natural world may initially cost a little more, it proven to be a popular practice that benefits both business and consumer.
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.
Before a business can place a new installation, however, a number of local issues must be seriously considered. Although consumers purchasing new electronic communications expect that they will have strong, reliable connections, most simply do not want to actually see the necessary installations and towers that make the entire experience possible. Because of this understandable attitude, cities have created new regulations regarding antenna visibility, size, and location.
A high-tech antenna array sporting gleaming metal spikes might appeal to some, but generally not to those people living in its shadow. This understandable attitude has driven technicians to new levels of creativity when designing and placing new installations, with the goal of making them less obtrusive. Many of these solutions are based on the concept that new equipment should be almost invisible to casual observers.
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.
When co-location is not an option, and a new tower must be built, local regulations are the key to success. Although the laws vary, many cities have approved strict new rules regarding the appearance of these towers. For example, many residential neighborhoods forbid placing a new antenna in a side or front yard simply because it looks bad. New installations cannot interfere with vehicle flow, or eliminate parking capacity.
In addition, the color scheme has to blend properly with existing designs. A new antenna must not block the view from adjacent homes. Some regions stipulate that all connective wiring be run beneath ground, and covered by vegetation or landscaping when above ground. Ordinances regarding height must be followed. Although these requirements may seem restrictive, the positive outcome is a new generation of towers that most people happily never notice.
For many residents, the results look like nature. In California they may look like palm trees, while those in New York sport deciduous branches. Other towers have been disguised to blend into unique natural desert backgrounds. Although designing antennas to fit the natural world may initially cost a little more, it proven to be a popular practice that benefits both business and consumer.
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