Mobile phone base station antenna disguised as a Saguaro cactus, manufactured by Larson Camouflage, LLC, Arizona, United States, 2013-2014.
The increasing use of mobile telephones has meant an increase in the need for base stations and antennas to connect calls. In rural areas, antennas had to be particularly large as they often served greater distances. The arrival of antennas was sometimes accompanied by anger, as people saw them as an eyesore. For this reason, some companies began designing aerials concealed in other things, that were more fitting for the landscape. This saguaro cactus is designed for desert areas, and conceals three antennas, as well as radio equipment. It includes simulated wounds, scars and woodpecker holes, as would be found on a real cactus in the desert.