Technology
BT Tower: Past, Present, and Future of a Controversial Landmark
BT Tower: Past, Present, and Future of a Controversial Landmark
The Post Office Tower in London, now more famously known as the BT Tower, has a rich history that spans decades, changing functions and garnering various uses over time. Originally christened as the Telecom Tower, it formerly served as the headquarters of British Telecom (BT).
Current Use and Protection
Today, the BT Tower stands tall as an office building and data hub for BT, featuring a notable 360-degree LED advertising panel for BT. However, its significance extends beyond just its modern-day functions. Officially known as the Telecom Tower, the tower is a Grade II listed building, offering cultural protection under the law.
While many antennas and microwave dishes were removed in 2011 due to public safety concerns, the old equipment still remains, contributing to the tower's historical integrity. The removal was a major concern, as the structures might fall or become a risk to public safety.
Data Hub and Environmental Monitoring
Boasting advanced internetworking capabilities, the BT Tower serves as a hub for BT's underground fibre-optic cable network. Beyond its commercial uses, the tower has a unique environmental monitoring role. The BT Tower was home to the BT Tower Observatory, a part of the UK Centre for Ecology Hydrology, which monitored air pollution in London. This area has since been repurposed for other functions, indicating a broad range of uses over time.
Historical Features and Rumors
The BT Tower's original rotating restaurant, though now serving as a function space, remains a part of the building. These rotating restaurants were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, but BT's version never fully took off as a public attraction. Instead, it has been repurposed over the years to serve other commercial and governmental functions.
From a technical standpoint, the tower's primary function has always been as a communications tower. It houses a vast array of transmitting and receiving aerials that enable long-distance microwave transmissions, which were used for TV and radio companies to transmit signals directly to a studio. These systems were crucial in the days before digital broadcasting and relied heavily on line-of-sight for their effectiveness. Despite advancements in technology, some of the microwave transmissions are still used for specific purposes, though their exact current roles remain undisclosed.
There are rumors that some of the antennas on the tower are utilized by the spy agency GCHQ and other security services. While these claims remain unverified and no official statements support them, the nature of the tower's technical infrastructure makes such claims plausible.
Conclusion
The BT Tower in London has evolved from its origins as a communications hub to become a modern commercial and data center, while still holding onto its history and cultural significance. Its complexity and versatility have ensured that it continues to be a focal point of the London skyline and a subject of ongoing interest to both the public and specialized professionals.