What is a cell tower's typical range of service?

The typical range of service for a cell tower is generally around 1 to 3 miles. This range is most effective in urban and suburban areas where interference and obstacles such as buildings may reduce signal quality and effectiveness. Factors affecting this range include the type of terrain, the height of the tower, the frequency of the signal, and the technology being used. In more densely populated areas, cell towers tend to have shorter ranges due to higher demand and physical obstructions, whereas in rural areas, the range can extend further, but as a general average across different environments, 1 to 3 miles is the standard expectation. This answer reflects the operational realities of telecommunications infrastructure in a variety of settings.