Frequently Asked Questions

Here we have for you some of the questions we are often asked of us. We hope that you find this section helpful and informative. If the answer you're looking for is not here, please send us an inquiry by visiting our Contact Page.

Is a proposed site essential for the carrier?
Can the carrier locate the proposed tower outside of the subject "search area?"
Will the proposed tower realistically provide collocation opportunities?
Would a camouflaged tower address aesthetic incompatibility?
Would collocation continue to be applicable with a camouflaged tower?
How do I know CityScape has the experience needed to handle my project ?
How can I contact you for more information ?

Is a Proposed Site Essential for the Carrier?
First, CityScape, determines whether the site is required for coverage, or capacity. In many municipalities, the carrier files an affidavit stating why the site is needed, and affirms that the construction is essential for their service. Coverage requirements must be justified. How much system gain is necessary at the cell boundary for the coverage quality desired - to support handheld phones in cars, for instance. From this aspect, we perform calculations and/or computerized propagation plotting using an appropriate prediction model to determine the coverage radius of the proposed cell. We check that against the coverage radii determined for the surrounding cells, which should show a deficit in the area.

A propagation plot prepared by the carrier, so long as it is accompanied by a clear legend and notes, can suffice for the above, as can drive test data. CityScape will work with the carrier, saving time and administrative burdens on your staff. For capacity, traffic figures in erlangs are requested, and are evaluated in light of the access technology used and the manufacturer infrastructure employed by the carrier, eg, Lucent, Motorola, Ericsson, etc.

Can the Carrier Locate the Proposed Tower Outside of the Subject "Search Area?"
CityScape requires new facility justification; carriers must supply their locations, coordinates, tower heights and power output. Additionally, we request a copy of the "grid plan" and the search area, with the objective of determining that the search area is reasonable for the grid plan. If the carrier cannot provide a grid plan, we determine if the search area is reasonable from the standpoint of its relationship to the surrounding cells, in effect producing a grid plan. Generally accepted cellular engineering rules define a reasonable grid plan as a circle of radius R/4, where R is the desired coverage radius of the proposed cell. This work allows us to determine whether locations outside of the claimed "search area" would suffice for the carrier’s service. In order to insure that there are no other reasonable sites, we may suggest a CityScape site visit.

Will the Proposed Tower Realistically Provide Collocation Opportunities?
First, CityScape performs an analysis of the height for the proposed radius to determine whether the height requested is reasonable for the coverage area desired, taking terrain factors into due consideration. Thus, the carrier is held "honest" to the height they request. Our analysis will insure that the height is reasonable for the coverage desired.

Collocation opportunities depend on whether the heights available below (or above) the first carrier fill the needs of carriers that come later. In some locations, carriers are collocating on a single monopole tower with antennas at only 10’ vertical separation, with no problems.

Our process includes the anticipated future growth of all carriers in your area and if the proposed new tower would have collocation expansion plans, and recommend a solution that will provide minimum impact in your community. CityScape is uniquely experienced in the industry to suggest creative collocation options. Our projects in the broadcast industry have involved collocation of multiple FM and TV stations at single sites. Our wireless experience entails collocation of up to eight carriers, including cellular, PCS and ESMR, at a single site.

Would a Camouflaged Tower Address Aesthetic Incompatibility?
This depends on the area. Camouflaged solutions that aren’t designed sympathetically to blend in with the area sometime look more peculiar than a simple monopole tower. These monopoles can be designed for minimum impact. Current antenna technology allows singular, “dual-polarization” flat-panel antennas that mount flat against the pole face, eliminating the need for large triangular antenna platforms. Experience shows this is far preferable aesthetically. Poles and antenna are then painted sky blue or brown or green in order to blend in with the surrounding area.

CityScape can recommend solutions that the carrier usually would not due to cost or concern of their overloaded engineering staffs. We have the engineering background to ease carrier reluctance to utilize less-intrusive products, and lead them to solutions more palatable to your community.

Would Collocation Continue to be Applicable with a Camouflaged Tower?
In a word, "yes." Multiple antennas can be accommodated on "concealed" towers and structures, and dual-polarization technology lends itself well to multi-carrier placement.

The key individuals representing CityScape have extensive background and knowledge in engineering, construction and management, specifically RF and wireless applications. We have a combined experience of over a century practicing in virtually every state in the United States.

How do I know CityScape has the experience needed to handle my project ?
Our reputation has been clearly established nationwide. Don’t ask us; ask our clients. The staff here at CityScape Consultants represents the best in the business. Our combined experience and knowledge in the communication industry ensures you'll receive only the best in professional services.

How can I contact you for more information ?
Please send us your inquiry by sending us an email from our Contact Us page. We look forward to hearing from you.