The concept is the brainchild of product manager Peter Häger and system manager Lutfi Ay. Conventional radio base constructions are lattice or tubular steel structures, with antennas mounted on the exterior, surrounded by a chain mesh or brick/mortar fence, and coupled with a ground-based shelter to hold the radio equipment. The unsightly steel exterior usually meant these structures were something that needed to be hidden from the public eye.

Häger explains how the Ericsson Tower Tube is both smart and attractive. "With its sleek new design, people will notice a new and beautiful building," he says. "With its small footprint and appealing esthetics, we can build these sites adjacent to roads and power grids. We think it will be easier to find good site location and the cost for deployment will be lower. Make yourself be seen; don't go into hiding."

The tower's benefits are economic as well as environmental: the tubular structure's chimney effect will cool any heat emanating from it. There is no feeder loss as the radio base stations are located near the top. The tower is its own shelter; therefore, a security fence is not needed as the site is fully encapsulated and the lightning protection system is built into the construction. Because the construction is concrete, with post tension reinforcement, it has substantially reduced the amount of carbon dioxide in the manufacturing process.

Designed by Swedish architect Thomas Sandell, these cylindrical towers will come in a variety of modern colors, textures, and even shapes.

The first Ericsson Tower Tube is located in Kista, Sweden's "Silicon Valley," near Ericsson headquarters.  Operators and visitors are invited to experience the excitement of this landmark construction first hand through formal presentations and guided tours. Visitors are encouraged to participate in an open forum where they can discuss the tower's many features, such as its aesthetic design, environmental friendliness, energy reduction, and numerous cost benefits. The commercial launch is set for Q2 2008.

Marketing manager Peter Hjorth says it is important for Ericsson to grow and be innovative: "The Tower Tube is a good example of how Ericsson expands its business scope using unique high-tech innovations."