The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #95676   Message #1863033
Posted By: JohnInKansas
19-Oct-06 - 07:00 AM
Thread Name: Mobile Phone Masts
Subject: RE: Mobile Phone Masts
As a possible aid to searching, in my area they usually just call them "microwave towers" or less frequently "cell phone antennas." As with any search, the more variants you use for search terms, the more junk you get.

I haven't heard of any locally decorated to fit into the scenery, but have run into quite a number of web images of "camo" masts in other parts of the US. At least one place in CA has one disguised as a palm tree, although the height is quite a bit above the average for trees of that sort. (It sticks out a bit in the web pics I've run into.)

In more densely populated areas, one can substitute a few more antennas at lower elevations for a smaller number of tall ones, so it's not too hard to attach to existing structures, but the longer distances and lower population densities in some parts of the US often call for 300 foot towers, and we don't have any trees in my area more than about 80 feet tall, with average treetops closer to 50 or 60 feet. It's almost as hard to get the FAA to agree to a new "flight obstruction" as to get the pitchforks out of the hands of the populace when someone talks about a new one here.

John