Tower sharing and the associated constraints in multi-operator GSM base transceiver station

Communication has witnessed a tremendous boost in Nigeria since the introduction of Global Systems for Mobile communication (GSM). However, congestion of GSM towers in the metropolis poses an environmental issue. The capital-intensive nature of wireless services has forced two or more operators to share a common tower without any conflicts of interest. In order to ensure a hitch-free operation, mutual agreement among the operators and regulatory bodies is required. The techniques of GSM infrastructure sharing, its benefits, constraints, and technical and health implications are presented in this article. The results of sensitivity analysis and the implications on the coverage and quality of service were highlighted. Moreover, the effects of adding more BTS antennas to a tower were investigated in terms of additional dynamic loading caused by wind, and increased radiation intensity. The study would be useful for radio engineers in the planning and design stages of a GSM network.