Base Transceiver Station

Simply put, base transceiver stations (BTSs) are the cell towers falling out of fashion. They form a cellular network that allows mobile devices to connect and power data services enabled by internet connectivity.

A BTS consists of the components needed to enable radio communication between phones and networks, including antennas, transmitters, receivers as well as equipment for encrypting data travelling through mobile networks.

It is capable of receiving signals from the mobile devices placed in its service area, processing them, and forwarding them to the core network for further processing. In return, it carries data from the core network to mobiles within its reach.

BTSs are deployed in a geographic region to provide the best coverage and avoid dead areas. The number of BTS at a location is determined by many factors like population distribution, geographical constraints and more importantly the network operators need from that coverage.