The thick forest of television antennas that used to grow from the rooftops of suburbia has disappeared, a welcome result of evolving technology. Although the digital age has arrived, modern communications still rely heavily upon over-the-air, antenna-based reception and transmission, requiring the construction of many additional antenna structures. While excellent coverage is essential, those new units should not create a negative impact on daily life.

At its most basic level, an antenna consists of poles, wires, dishes and other metal devices designed to both receive or send electromagnetic signals. Commercial antennas are integral to generating money, and are used by television, radio, cell phone and other communications enterprises. Amateur home radio transmitters, satellite dishes, and other related devices are not considered commercial.

When a business is faced with the need for new transmission equipment, there are a host of considerations and requirements. The consuming public wants solid, hardworking devices that have reliable reception and transmission, but generally does not want to view the inevitable broadcast towers necessary for good service. Because of that desire, many towns have initiated new rules regulating antenna size, visibility, and location.

An antenna array that looks like a science fiction device may appeal to some, but not to most of those who might live next door. Communications operators have taken this attitude seriously in regard to new designs and locations, and attempt to make a final product that is unnoticeable to the casual observer. The need to make new designs nearly invisible has spawned some creative solutions.

One of the most cost-effective is termed co-location, an increasingly common practice. This process places the new array on an already existing tower, which eliminates the need for additional construction. Successful completion of this kind of project involves close cooperation between all the companies using the tower. New operations must never interfere with present users, and must also conform to aesthetic standards.

When co-location is not an option, and a new tower must be built, local regulations are the key to success. Although the laws vary, many cities have approved strict new rules regarding the appearance of these towers. For example, many residential neighborhoods forbid placing a new antenna in a side or front yard simply because it looks bad. New installations cannot interfere with vehicle flow, or eliminate parking capacity.

New construction must not alter the overall view from neighboring homes, and the color schemes used must match the existing standards for the locale. Most neighborhoods also require that all connecting wires must be installed underground, and the above-ground portions concealed with vegetation or landscaping. While the proliferation of building rules may seem overly restrictive, the results have been overwhelmingly positive.

For many residents, the results look like nature. In California they may look like palm trees, while those in New York sport deciduous branches. Other towers have been disguised to blend into unique natural desert backgrounds. Although designing antennas to fit the natural world may initially cost a little more, it proven to be a popular practice that benefits both business and consumer.