Abstract

This study examines how the mobile communication infrastructure permeated the existing urban space during the introduction of wireless mobile communication. The digital transformation of urban space began in earnest with the introduction and popularization of wireless mobile communication. The telecommunication infrastructure prior to mobile communication was created as an invisible one that provides horizontal and linear connectivity along the existing urban infrastructure such as roads and electric power grids. On the other hand, mobile communication required a new infrastructure that was premised on vertical and areal delivery of mobile communication services based on cellular communication technology in the last mile. The spread of this mobile communication infrastructure was functionally visualized as the installation of mobile communication base stations, and spatially in the form of occupying the roofs of intermediate buildings. The upgrade to 5G is progressing slowly, but it is expected to accelerate the increase in base stations in the end. The rooftop of the neighborhood has traditionally been in charge of functions such as storage, yard, and residence, and has recently been attracting attention as a place of green space, solar power, and commercial space. As a new mobile communication infrastructure, the base station, which has been positioned on the roof of an intermediate building, collides with the existing functions of the roof, and is reconstructing the politics of the rooftop space in the era of smart city.