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Finding Cell Sites
Here are steps to aid you in finding the
exact or approximate location of cellular
sites. They can be obvious or they can be
well hidden. The objective is to narrow down
the location to a specific structure. You
may never see the antennas. Keep in mind
that most carriers often do not use their
own sites, and quite often after constructing
their own, sell them to some of the below
companies. Look at Some Actual Cell Sites. Good luck on your cell site search.
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- ONLINE RESOURCES
There are lots of web sites that may help
you narrow down locations of nearby cell
sites. Some are not intended for "cell
site detectives", so you may need to
tread lightly. Some of the tower companies might provide
information on the phone, but don't count
on it.
- THE FCC
This is a difficult site to navigate. Not
all Cellular sites need to be licensed so
only certain sites are listed, PCS sites
are not listed. The best way to start your
search is to click on Market Search, then choose Market Type: "CMA - Cellular Market Area",
scroll to your market, then Radio Service Code: "CL - Cellular". Click "Search"
and you'll be offered a list of cellular
carriers. Click on a Call Sign, then the
Locations tab. Another FCC resource is the Antenna Structure Registration which involves large databases and a Search
that requires knowledge of the type of structure
or licensee you're seeking.
- SPRINT SITES
It's only Sprint, and this site has varied
over time in its detail.
- T-MOBILE SITES
Extensive list of T-Mobile-owned sites and
their addresses.
- AT&T SITES
Most AT&T-owned sites and addresses.
- KGI WIRELESS
This is an easy site to navigate. They show
existing sites as well has some, including
buildings, that are available for new installations.
They usually list the carrier that uses the
site, mostly Alltel.
- CELLRECEPTION.COM
A convenient presentation, although less-inclusive,
of the FCC records, which are not a complete
list.
- ANTENNA SEARCH.COM
Mostly non-cellular sites but very easy to
use and includes new cell sites that might
go online. However, some sites are speculative.
- TELECOM SITE SOURCE
This is a combination of tower location web
sites, including Sprint's. Usually, you can't
determine the carriers.
- NATIONAL WIRELESS TOWER
A tower company listing sites in GA, NC,
SC, TN, and who is currently on that site.
- AMERICAN TOWER
They just own towers. You can't tell who
is on it, if anybody.
- GLOBAL TOWER PARTNERS
An easy to navigate site but no specific
information on carriers. Reportedly they
will tell you if you call.
- SBA TOWERS
More towers for rent. Yes, many with nothing
on them.
- GOOGLE EARTH
Some users report being able to find cell
sites by searching these aerial photographs.
It can also be used with the links above
to see if listed sites actually exist. Resolution
varies by location.
- YOUR LOCAL CITY OR COUNTY WEB SITE
There are several possible sources of cell
site information here. Some jurisdictions
have a list showing applications for building
permits. Others have minutes of the Planning
Commission, Board of Adjustment or City Council
meetings that address applications for cell
sites. Look for "CMRS", Commercial
Mobile Radio Service, entries.
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