Planning, Constructing, and Commissioning a Mobile Network Site

In an earlier post we looked at Cell-Site Construction And Evolution Strategies. A slightly older post on LinkedIn detailed the Telecom Site Installation process. Taking the post, the comments, some help from ChatGPT, here is a detailed process of planning, constructing, and commissioning a mobile network site. If you have an experience in this area, feel free to chip-in. 

1. Site Planning and Design: This phase involves assessing the need for a new mobile site, selecting a suitable location, and designing the layout of the infrastructure.

• Coverage and Capacity Analysis:
• Conduct radio frequency (RF) planning and coverage analysis to determine areas with poor or no signal.
• Analyze user demand and traffic patterns to ensure the new site will meet current and future capacity needs.
• Site Selection:
• Identify potential site locations that meet RF requirements, zoning laws, and accessibility needs.
• Conduct a site survey to evaluate the physical space, including accessibility, security, and suitability for equipment installation.
• Ensure the site provides optimal line of sight for network coverage.
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
• Assess the environmental impact of the site, including factors like wildlife, vegetation, and local landmarks.
• Identify any potential noise or visual pollution issues and assess community concerns or objections.
• Permitting and Approvals:
• Obtain necessary zoning permits and approvals from local authorities.
• Secure additional permits, such as construction permits, environmental approvals, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Network Design and Engineering:
• Design the overall site layout, including tower or mast structure, equipment placement, and power supply.
• Conduct interference analysis with other nearby frequencies or signals to prevent service disruption.
• Develop an engineering plan for the site, including foundation design, structural analysis, and electrical system requirements.

2. Site Acquisition and Preparation: This phase focuses on securing the site and preparing it for construction.

• Leasing or Purchasing the Site:
• Negotiate lease agreements or purchase the land with the landowner.
• Finalize contracts with the property owner, detailing the duration, costs, and terms for operating the mobile site.
• Site Preparation:
• Clear the site and ensure it’s ready for construction, which may involve land leveling, vegetation removal, and installing access roads if necessary.
• Secure the site with fencing or barriers for safety and to prevent unauthorized access.
• Utility Coordination:
• Arrange for the provision of utilities, including electricity, water, and access roads if needed.
• Plan for backup power solutions such as generators or batteries to ensure continuous operation.
• Material and Equipment Procurement:
• Order and procure necessary materials and equipment, including towers, antennas, base transceiver stations (BTS), and other essential hardware.
• Arrange logistics for equipment delivery, warehousing, and on-site storage.

An example of a pelican case with equipment safely stored for transport

3. Construction: This phase involves the physical construction of the mobile network site and the installation of all required equipment.

• Tower or Mast Construction:
• Construct the tower or mast, which may be self-supporting, guyed, or mounted on a rooftop, depending on the site.
• Install safety features on the tower, including lightning protection, fall-arrest systems, and grounding systems.
• Shelter and Equipment Installation:
• Install a shelter or housing unit for network equipment, such as base stations, power supplies, and batteries.
• Set up the power system, which includes connecting to the power grid, installing backup generators, or solar panels if needed.
• Antenna and Radio Installation:
• Mount antennas, microwave dishes, and any other required transmission equipment on the tower.
• Connect radio units, transceivers, and other radio-frequency equipment to the antennas and configure them for optimal coverage.
• Cable Installation:
• Install coaxial, fiber optic, and power cables to connect antennas, base stations, and other equipment.
• Ensure proper cable management and secure all cabling to prevent wear and damage.
• Site Testing and Quality Assurance:
• Perform structural testing of the tower and foundation to ensure stability and compliance with standards.
• Conduct electrical and grounding system tests to verify operational safety.

4. Commissioning: This phase involves configuring and testing the equipment to ensure the site functions properly and is integrated into the larger mobile network.

• Initial Power-Up and Configuration:
• Power up the equipment, including base transceiver stations (BTS), antennas, and other network equipment.
• Configure settings on the BTS, radio equipment, and other hardware according to the network design specifications.
• Network Integration and Testing:
• Integrate the new site into the mobile network, linking it to the network core and neighboring sites.
• Test network connectivity, handover capabilities, data throughput, call quality, and signal strength.
• Conduct drive tests and performance monitoring to assess coverage and adjust configurations as needed.
• Optimization and Troubleshooting:
• Fine-tune settings based on initial performance testing and feedback from engineers.
• Address any connectivity issues, interference, or hardware malfunctions to ensure optimal performance.
• Regulatory Compliance Testing:
• Conduct tests to ensure the site complies with all regulatory standards, including RF exposure limits, signal interference, and safety protocols.
• Verify that the site meets environmental and local authority requirements.

5. Handover and Maintenance Planning: After the site is fully operational, the last step involves handing it over for ongoing maintenance and ensuring a plan is in place for regular site management.

• Site Handover:
• Document all installation and testing details and hand over operational responsibility to the network operations team.
• Train maintenance personnel on site-specific details and procedures for routine maintenance.
• Routine Maintenance Scheduling:
• Establish a schedule for regular maintenance, including checking equipment, tower structure, and electrical systems.
• Plan for ongoing monitoring of performance and implement a system for handling fault reports and corrective maintenance.
• Monitoring and Optimization:
• Set up remote monitoring tools to continuously assess site performance, traffic loads, and equipment health.
• Periodically re-evaluate coverage, capacity, and performance to make adjustments based on network growth and user demand.

Each phase involves careful coordination, especially for securing approvals, coordinating with equipment vendors, and ensuring that all safety and regulatory standards are met. This approach ensures that the mobile site is built to provide reliable service and can adapt to future demands.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Cell-Site Construction And Evolution Strategies
• The 3G4G Blog: What is meant by Infrastructure in a Telecoms Network?
• The 3G4G Blog: Mobile Network Cell Tower Site Construction
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Construction of a Self-Supporting Tower (SST)
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone Explains Mobile Phone Mast