Morrisville Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Master Plan - 2013

Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Master Plan - Town of Morrisville, NC – Adopted July 23, 2013

The Telecommunications Industry

Introduction Telecommunications is the transmission, emission and/or reception of radio signals, whether it is in the form of voice communications, digital images, sound bytes or other information, via wires and cables; or via space, through radio frequencies, satellites, microwaves, or other electromagnetic systems. Telecommunications includes the transmission of voice, video, data, broadband, wireless and satellite technologies and others. Traditional landline telephone service utilizes an extensive network of copper interconnecting lines to transmit and receive a phone call between parties. Fiber optic and T-1 data lines increase the capabilities by delivering not only traditional telephone, but also high-speed internet and, in some situations cable television, and are capable of substantially more. This technology involves an extensive network of fiber optic lines situated either above or below ground locations. Wireless telephony, also known as wireless communications, includes mobile phones, pagers, and two-way enhanced radio systems and relies on the combination of landlines, cable and an extensive network of elevated antennas most typically found on communication towers to transmit voice and data information. The evolution of this technology is known as first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation (1G through 5G) of wireless deployment. Wireless handsets

During the early 1980’s, the first generation (1G) of 800 megahertz (MHz) band cellular systems was launched nationwide. The 1G portable cell phones were boxy in shape and operated much like an AM and FM radio station. The 800 MHz frequency allows the radio signal from the base station to travel between three and five miles depending on topography and line of site between the base stations. Customers using a cell phone knew when they traveled outside of the service area because a static sound on the phone similar to the sound of a weak AM or FM radio station was heard through the handset. The signal either faded or remained crackling until the subscriber was within range of a transmitting base

1G 1984 Mobria Cell Phone (Image: J. Bundy)

station. Originally, the 800 MHz band only supported an analog radio signal. Later technological advancements allowed 800 MHz systems to also support digital customers which allows for an increased number of subscriber transmissions per base station.

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