Mobile Phone Technology

Any mobile connection connects to a mast that relays the signal to wired (fibre) or other backhaul, which sends the data to the core network. Macro masts are large and can be seen throughout the country. They are necessary for sending and receiving data on mobile devices.

Most masts have more than one aerial, and many of the larger masts are used by other communication systems, such as TV and emergency services. Some masts have aerials from more than one mobile phone network operator; for example, O2 and Vodafone, as well as THREE and EE, regularly share masts. These masts can connect to 2G, 4G and 5G networks. However, not all masts can cope with all networks.

Some masts are at the centre of their cell and host an omnidirectional aerial, allowing connections from all directions. More often, the aerials are tuned to cover a 120-degree arc; thus, three aerials will be seen around the mast. These, together with other masts, make up the traditional hexagonal cell shape for coverage. However, geographical features in the real world get in the way, so these cells are not perfect hexagons.

Along roads and railways, the masts used are tuned more tightly to focus signals up and down the road or railway. These masts often only have two sets of aerials pointing up and down the road or railway.

Masts come in different sizes and are located in various places. These range from large masts set on top of hills to shorter masts in towns, masts on prominent buildings and smaller masts mounted on street furniture.

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