Technology

Since its introduction, a cell phone has become an integral part of our life.
Though it has enhanced communication and enabled us to stay connected, cell phone network infrastructure (cell phone towers), transmits information by radio frequencies, chronic exposure to such frequencies has hazardous effects on our health, especially if one is exposed to them for a long period.Variou studies have revealed that they are numerous dangers and health related problems particularly with people who live near this towers. A study by Dr. Bruce Hocking revealed that children living near phone towers had double the risk of childhood leukemia than those who lived at least seven miles away from those towers. Eye cancers, miscarriage, cardiac arrests, are other common health illnesses associated with people living near cell phone towers. (Zhang, Y. HU, H. 2007). The dangers associated with cell phone towers has raised complaints by various stakeholders hence enhanced the need for an alternative to cell phone towers that would enable cell phone use and mitigate these complaints. This paper evaluates distributed Antenna System (DAS), as an alternative technology to cell phone towers.

Distributed Antenna System (DAS), is an alternative technology that is visually much less intrusive to the neighbouring community.DAS is a network of spatially separated antenna nodes connected to a common source by a transport medium that provides wireless service within a geographical area. Its architectural design consists of small groups of low-powered antennas, which are mounted on top of the existing utility poles throughout the coverage area. It is a true alternative to cell phone towers in that it provides cell phone service providers with the ability to enhance their network, while adhering to communities aesthetic requirements. (Zhang, Y. HU, H. 2007)

The DAS technology has enabled cities reduce the proliferation of traditional cell phone towers that is instead of erecting additional sky climber towers and rooftop antenna sites, cell phone providers can use the small, low profile DAS equipment that are strategically placed on existing utility poles, streetlight poles and other discrete locations in the public right- of-way. The DAS technology is a viable alternative with many advantages over the cell phone tower, for instance since most antennas are mounted on top of standard utility poles, this relocated this antennas away from public centers like schools and churches protecting the neighbouring community from any danger associated with radio frequencies(Zhang, Y. Hu, H. 2007)

DAS technology is a win-win alternative, there is no need for cellular towers which are a health risk to the neighbouring community. Mobile phone service providers can migrate to this technology, which uses small non-obstructive antennas placed on existing utility poles away from the public vicinities. DAS antennas are connected by fibre to the base station hence improving cell phone wireless coverage as well as minimizing future cell phone tower construction by using advanced fibre optic technology and effectively implementing public safety services.