Vodafone wants to build radio towers out of wood
The Vodafone subsidiary Vantage Towers wants to build sustainable mobile phone masts made of wood. The towers of the radio mast operator are not cheaper than conventional masts, but they are more environmentally friendly. They also promise a better look.
In times of digitization, we are more networked than ever. The mobile phone providers are therefore continuously expanding their capacities. In order for this to succeed without any problems, however, additional locations for mobile phone masts are required. Conflicts always arise between businesses and residents.
But how can the masts be made more aesthetic? That asked the cell tower operator Vantage Towers from Vodafone, which has now taken up an idea from Finland.
Because the Finnish start-up Eco intelligent does not build its masts out of steel and concrete, but out of wood. This not only looks better, but can also be more sustainable under certain circumstances.
These are the sustainable wooden cell phone towers from Vantage Towers
But to what extent does the new design compare to previous masts? According to Ecotelligent, the wooden poles have a lifespan of up to 30 years. A weather-resistant protective layer ensures the necessary durability. In addition, the price is comparable to that of conventional towers.
Sustainable mobile phone masts made of wood could therefore become a real alternative for mobile phone providers. But there are also downsides. A report from the Federal building sheet suggests that the advantages of wood are quickly overestimated.
Because if you use wooden elements instead of concrete for the construction, the construction is initially comparatively sustainable. But if you tear it down after the useful life, the positive balance is gone.
Think sustainability: From start to finish
If you really want to be sustainable, you have to think from start to finish. The towers would therefore have to be built in such a way that after 30 years of use they would not be burned, but could serve another purpose. It is therefore important to use wood that has already been recycled and to reuse it after use.
It will be a while before we see sustainable mobile phone masts. Vantage Towers is currently building two of its masts in Germany. Compared to a total of 19,400 locations, however, this is a small proportion. Perhaps Telefónica and Deutsche Telekom will take a look and one day jump on the bandwagon.
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