I have, I’ll admit, mentioned this before. However, on my travels I’ve seen a number of mobile phone masts and have taken a pretty un-cool fascination with them. Unless I’m going mad (which is possible), they’re getting slightly smaller and, in towns especially, cleverly hidden. I know, I’ve mentioned that all before and I’m on the verge of milking this subject a little too much.
Perhaps..
However, the monopole masts, which can be hidden easily and are sometimes mistaken or disguised as lamposts or telegraph poles, are usually situated close to buildings. Sure, I know that the traditional masts are on top of buildings, but having them at the same height as the first or second floor of a building got me thinking.
This brings me to this photo..
This, unless I’m mistaken, is a monopole. Also, unless I’m mistaken, it radiates radio waves uniformly in all directions. The posh word is “omnidirectional” and basically means that there’s no real direction. The radiation pattern looks like a donut.
Talking about the safety of mobile phones and these masts would open up a whole can of worms. The networks and the Government will tell you that they’re safe but it won’t stop that niggling feeling and I’d definitely think twice if I went to view a house next to one of these masts. It’s like buying a home under an electrical pylon. Sure, they’re supposedly safe but people still have doubts.
Is there any law to stop these poles being situated so close, and at the same level, as occupied buildings? Would you want to live in that apartment, just a couple of metres from an active mobile transmitter?
The mast, for the curious amongst you, is here in Bloxwich. It looks to be a Three mast. Sure, you’re going to get a ruddy brilliant signal, but do you mind having that so close? Are you a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard)? Or is it a decent price to pay for good coverage?
I’d love to know. Put yourself in that apartment. Put your children in there and let me know in the comments.