How to reduce the costs of Telecommunication Towers?

 At some point, we've all experienced mobile connectivity issues - usually when we need our phones the most. Reception may drop at sports or music events, or in densely populated cities, or it may take longer to load a website or social media feed. This may sound insignificant, but it can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to how customers view their data services or the value of their mobile network provider. The demand for telecommunications infrastructure will continue to rise as consumers put more pressure on existing systems and become more demanding of network quality.

 

Communications towers are used for many types of electronic communications, including radio, cellular, EMS services, and global positioning satellite technology. Planning new tower sites can be a complex challenge.

Since cost is usually the primary driver of capital projects, good planning through cost analysis can be a huge benefit to new tower project teams.

 

Tower Types

Utilities typically need to consider two large tower types.

 

Self-supporting towers are lattice-type steel structures that typically have three or four tower legs supported by a foundation. Self-supporting towers usually require a smaller land area.

 

Tie-line towers are mast-type structures consisting of truss members supported by symmetrically arranged ties. Tie towers usually require a larger site.

 

Cost Considerations

For new tower site projects, cost influences the choice of tower design and, in turn, the physical location of the project. Learn about cost considerations - evaluate self-supporting towers or pulling towers.

 

Steel Costs

As a commodity, steel is priced by weight. Therefore, the cost of a tower is proportional to the total amount of steel required to build it. Self-supporting towers require more steel in their design than pull towers, which means that a pull tower of the same height costs less.

 

Installation Costs

Both types of towers are assembled at ground level, so there is usually no significant difference in these costs.

 

Self-erecting towers are erected using mobile cranes or, in some cases, helicopters. These towers have heavier and larger cross sections, which can affect crane size requirements and labor costs.

 

Wire pull towers use the same installation method but are lighter and smaller, which usually reduces labor costs.

 

Maintenance Costs

In terms of maintenance requirements, the costs of self-erecting and wire pulling towers tend to be similar. Self-erecting towers are simple to maintain, focusing mainly on the condition of the steel tower members and bolts, but these towers have more surface area to inspect.

 

In addition to maintaining the steel, members and bolts, there are other variables in wire pull towers. Inspecting and maintaining the area around the ties, tie tensioning, anchors and anchor rods takes time and effort.

 

When a utility plans a new tower site, there are many variables to consider, all of which can impact project costs. It is important to take a strategic approach to new tower sites when building infrastructure. Other considerations are discussed in depth.

 

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